Archive resources
The University of Westminster Archive collects and preserves records created by the University and its predecessor institutions. These include the Royal Polytechnic Institution (1837-1881), the Young Men’s Christian Institute (1871-1891), the Regent Street Polytechnic (1891-1970), and the Polytechnic of Central London (1970-1992).
The Archive also holds papers from the Polytechnic sports and social clubs and the Polytechnic Touring Association, as well as deposited collections from individuals with a strong link to the University.
In addition to studies of the University’s history, the Archive is well placed to support a wide-range of thematic research. Particular strengths include:
- Performance (magic lantern slides, early cinema, popular lectures)
- Leisure (sports, rambling, debating, reading, amateur theatre)
- Victorian activism (philanthropy, muscular Christianity, temperance, vegetarianism)
- Town-planning (the University Archive holds the papers of Max Lock and John Turner)
- Publishing (the Polytechnic Magazine ran from 1879-1971, we also have student publications and staff newsletters)
- Travel (surviving papers of the Polytechnic Touring Association, later Lunn Poly, as well as memorabilia and accounts of trips taken)
Educational history (technical and trade classes, secondary school, and art education).
The Archive also holds a large collection of photographs documenting change within the University and across London.
Please get in touch with us if you would like to know more about our collections and how we can support your research by contacting the Records Manager at:
Archive Services
The University of Westminster
4-12 Little Titchfield Street
London W1W 7UW
Fax: +44 (0)207 911 5167
Email:
