Michael Palin donates archive to the British Library

Monty Python star Michael Palin has donated his archive of scripts, notes and diaries to the British Library.
The British comedy legend kept notes of all his work from 1965, when he began working as a BBC TV comedy writer, to 1987.
He has now donated them, along with personal diaries and correspondence, to the U.K.’s national library, home to every book produced in the country as well key historical and cultural documents.
“My work has been inspired by, and created in, this country, so I’m very pleased that my archive has been accepted by the British Library, and that they will make it publicly available, so that future generations will know not to make the same mistakes again,” Palin said in a press release.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus first appeared on British TV screens in 1969, and its popularity made the comedy troupe featuring Palin, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and the late Graham Chapman, influential icons of British comedy.
The group were also a hit in the U.S. and created three feature films.
Palin’s archive features early drafts of sketches, working material and scripts related to Monty Python projects.
In addition to his comedy exploits with Monty Python, 74-year-old Palin also built a reputation as a distinguished travel writer.
Rachel Foss, the British Library’s Head of Contemporary Archives and Manuscripts, shared her joy at the British Library’s newest acquisition.
“We are thrilled that Michael Palin has chosen to donate this fascinating and wide-ranging collection to join the British Library’s holdings of contemporary archives,” she said.
“Michael’s contribution to comedy, film and television over the past 50 years has been enormous, in particular through Monty Python which has had an unparalleled influence on British comedy and internationally.”
The collection will be available to view in the British Library Reading Rooms from spring 2018. Palin will join British TV presenter and journalist Joan Bakewell at the library on 6 September (17) for a discussion of his life and career.