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Library Services

Archives and Special Collections

The Archives holds a wealth of fascinating institutional, personal archives and rare prints, dating from the 17th Century to the present day. The collections document the rich history of the College, and provide vital evidence for research in the arts, humanities and social science. See the blogs below to find out more about our collections or follow us on Instagram qmarchives.
 
 
 

Ticket reading A Swimming Pool on Campus
15 September 2023

All this good weather had us thinking about how nice it would be to have a swimming pool on campus. But did you know we once did? It was built in 1888 and entertained and cooled generations of East Londoners until World War 2 when it suffered serious bomb damage. But the building of the former People’s Palace Swimming baths, bought by the university, hung around until 2011.

Illustration from William Blake's Book of Job Designs William Blake
21 July 2023

After finishing the articles about our distinguished English poets and Greek philosophers who are featured in the old Octagon library, I discovered in our rare book collection another English poet many of you will know doubt know, especially if as a child you read his famous poem The Tyger. Well, I found Blake sitting on a shelf looking down on an old furniture Bible. I would like to talk about the two together and the importance they bring to our literature, and to show another side of William Blake and his works. A blog by Anne Marie Mcharg Rare Books and Special Collections Assistant.

Page of annotated King Lear Samuel Phelps: Actor, Theatre Manager & Tragedian
7 July 2023

In the last couple of months, I have been beavering away amongst our rare book collection cataloguing and updating records. Tucked away on the bottom shelves I found prompt copies for Samuel Phelps of Shakespeare’s tragedies, histories and one comedy. This small collection is printed copies from microfilm of originals held by The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC. So, my thoughts turned to wondering, who was Samuel Phelps? A blog by Anne Marie Mcharg Rare Books and Special Collections Assistant.

Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honourable Richard Brinsley Sheridan page 1 Richard Sheridan: Dramatist, Playwriter and Whig Politician
30 June 2023

A blog by Special Collections Information Assistant Anne Marie McHarg.

Page of book reading Chap XX Act 2: History of the Theatre through the Ages
8 June 2023

The theatre has played many parts throughout the centuries, like a character in changing scenes. In this second part of our look at the history of the theatre, we pick up in Shakespearean times and look at the developments of more recent years. So, the scene is set, and the principal characters (the theatres!) play on. A blog by Special Collections Information Assistant Anne Marie McHarg.

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