Conti family papers, pictorial and realia material, 1861-2015

fonds

1861-2012

Objects, Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Photographs

1361983

Italia and Evelyn Conti, actresses, travelled to Australia with the Broughs in the 1890s. It was an opportunity to link up with their brother Arthur who had come to Melbourne to seek employment with his godfather Frederick Armytage of Como. Back in London, Italia Conti established the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts which is Britain's and the world's oldest theatre arts training school. It grew out of the first production of the play in 1911 that was to become a children's classic "Where the rainbow ends". The school has produced such luminaries as Noel Coward, Gertrude Lawrence, Anthony Newley and Googie Withers.

Ruth Conti was born in Townsville in 1914 and travelled to London 20 years later to join her aunts - Italia, Evelyn and Bianca - in running the Italia Conti School of Dramatic Art. Following the outbreak of war in 1939, Ruth rose to the rank of Captain in the British Army, serving in the Italian campaign. In 1980 Ruth returned to Sydney and served the cause of drama in NSW, adjudicating in country drama festivals across NSW and assisting children's drama at the Marian Street Theatre.

SERIES 01: Conti family papers, pictorial material, 1861-2012.

SERIES 02: Ruth Conti realia material, 1935-1977.

This collection has been arranged into 2 series. You may navigate to a more detailed description of each record from this collection record.