A unique collection of classic film posters was being launched in Bradford today.

The National Museum of Photography, Film and Television has joined forces with the Bradford Film Office to build up a permanent collection of posters produced by Baildon-based printing firm WE Berry Ltd.

It established a national reputation for designing and printing film posters up until the mid-1980s. At one time it was estimated that the company made about three-quarters of all posters produced in Britain.

Today, the firm is largely a supplier to the industrial and commercial markets but still produces circus posters.

Berry's has already provided 350 posters for the collection, to be based at the museum when it reopens next year after its £15 million refurbishment. A further 50 have been provided by the Merseyside Film Institute. Now staff at the museum are appealing for public donations of Berry posters from individuals and organisations.

The first public donation was being made today when Bradford-born film-maker Steve Abbott handed over one of his own Berry posters promoting the 1983 Monty Python movie The Meaning of Life.

"The quality and design of the Berry posters is recognised throughout the cinema industry," said Steve, whose credits include A Fish Called Wanda and Brassed Off.

Other famous posters made by Berry's include Genevieve, American Gigolo and Tootsie.

The company's managing director, Peter Lee, said: "I am particularly pleased that these early works of Berry's are to be given a permanent home in Bradford. It will enable a wider public audience to enjoy this unique hand-crafted art form which is no longer practised on a large scale today."

To donate a poster, ring Paul Goodman, the museum's registrar, on (01274) 203378.

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