This was originally published in February 2011, as part of our Item of the Month series.
BAFTA – The British Academy of Film and Television Arts –supports and promotes the production of film, television, video games and interactive media and the BAFTA awards ceremonies are the pinnacle of the UK entertainment calendar. With the Orange British Academy Film awards fast approaching on Sunday 13 February, tension is mounting amongst the nominees. This year’s star line-up includes Javier Bardem, Jeff Bridges and Colin Firth (for leading actor), and Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman (for leading actress). All want their hands on the coveted BAFTA mask!
Designed in 1955 by the US sculptor Mitzi Cunliffe, the masks have become internationally-recognised symbols of excellence in the art forms of the moving image. Based on the traditional concept of the theatrical tragicomic mask, the reverse depicts a screen image around one eye and an electronic symbol around the other, symbolically linking dramatic production and television technology. Here at Strathclyde University Archives we are delighted to have, in our care, two of the iconic BAFTA masks. But to whom did they belong and what led them to our archive?
The answer lies in the career of Verity Ann Lambert (1935-2007) OBE, internationally acclaimed television and film producer. Gifted to the University in 2008, the BAFTAs form a unique and integral part of the Papers of Verity Lambert (T-LAM), and are representative of an exceptional and pioneering career in the entertainment industry. The first was awarded for Best Television Drama Series for Somerset Maugham’s Short Stories in 1969, whilst the second, the Alan Clarke Award for ‘outstanding creative contribution to television’, was presented in 2002. Hailed as the most influential and inspirational drama producer of her generation, Verity was in fact nominated for a further four BAFTAs during her lifetime: for Best Drama series - Shoulder to Shoulder (1974); The Norman Conquests (1977); Jonathan Creek (1998); and for Best Comedy series - May to December (1990).