Introduction to Archives for Architecture students

Finding and Using Architectural Archives

Anna McNally

University of Westminster Archives

archive@westminster.ac.uk

What are archives?

What kind of architectural information might I find in archives?

Where should I look for archives?

Tips on searching archive catalogues

How to prepare for a visit to an archive

Topics covered in this session:

What are archives?

Material created through every day activities and selected for permanent preservation.

What are archives?

Material created through every day activities and selected for permanent preservation.

Not just paper – can also be objects & digital files.

What are archives?

Material created through every day activities and selected for permanent preservation.

Can be tricky to use - often organised in a way that made sense at the time, but not now.

What are archives?

Material created through every day activities and selected for permanent preservation.

Only around 5% of records created end up in an archive.

Since archives are created through every day activities, you need to think through the activities involved in commissioning, designing and constructing a building.

These will then help you to identify where your building will be mentioned in the archives.

Activities that create architectural archives: (i)

Inception - when the organisation decided to create a new building.

Inception - when the organisation decided to create a new building.

Records to look for: minute books, correspondence.

Remember that the decision may have been taken years – or decades – before the building was started.

Activities that create architectural archives: (i)

Proposal – the first glimpse at the new building

Activities that create architectural archives: (ii)

Proposal – the first glimpse at the new building

Records to look for: drawings and plans. Also look at Board minutes for any reaction to the proposal.

Activities that create architectural archives: (ii)

Activities that create architectural archives: (ii)

Proposal – the first glimpse at the new building

Remember! The finished building may be very

different from the initial proposal!

Approval - planning permission, freeholder approval, and internal sign-off

Activities that create architectural archives: (iii)

Approval - planning permission, freeholder approval, and internal sign-off

Records to look for: records of any council approval will be held in the local public records office. They will include details of any objections or restrictions to the application.

Activities that create architectural archives: (iii)

Interpretation - decisions made during the building process

Activities that create architectural archives: (iv)

Interpretation - decisions made during the building process

Records to look for: detailed plans, correspondence between the architect and builder, photographs taken during the building work, financial records.

Activities that create architectural archives: (iv)

Celebration – the moment the building opens

Activities that create architectural archives: (v)

Celebration – the moment the building opens

Records to look for: programmes for the opening ceremony, newspaper reports, photographs

Activities that create architectural archives: (v)

Review – after the building opens

Activities that create architectural archives: (vi)

Review – after the building opens

Records to look for: articles in architectural journals, correspondence relating to snagging issues, reports of immediate problems with the building.

Activities that create architectural archives: (vi)

Alterations over time

Activities that create architectural archives: (vii)

Alterations over time

Records to look for: staff newsletters, annotated building plans, photographs

Major alterations will go through the same process as starting a building from scratch but minor alterations can be difficult to track down in the documentation, even though cumulatively they may have a major impact

Activities that create architectural archives: (vii)

Experience – things that happen to a building that impact the structure or design

Activities that create architectural archives: (viii)

Experience – things that happen to a building that impact the structure or design

Examples include fire, war damage and natural disasters.

Records to look for: newspaper reports, minutes of meetings, plans, photographs

Activities that create architectural archives: (viii)

Sale or lease

Activities that create architectural archives: (ix)

Sale or lease

Sale and lease documents can reveal a lot of detail about the building, particularly any alterations since it was first built, and exact sizes.

Records to look for: Deeds, agreement for tenancy, licence to assign

Activities that create architectural archives: (ix)

Where should I look for archives?

Can be kept by the creating or receiving partner – or both.

The bigger the organisation, the more likely they will have kept documentation (usually).

Not everything will have survived!

Where should I look for archives?

Some places to consider when looking for archives:

The National Archives for Crown Estate, large projects (e.g. housing estates) and national events (e.g. Festival of Britain).Local record offices e.g. London Metropolitan Archives, City of Westminster ArchivesBusiness, charity, estate and church archivesUniversity archives e.g. University of Brighton Design Archives , University of Westminster/Max Lock Archive. Specialist repositories e.g. RIBA, V&ASome architectural practices

Where should I look for archives?

But, things can turn up in unexpected places…. This photo in the University’s collection shows the construction of what is now Topshop at Oxford Circus.

If you’re struggling to find photos, it’s always worth looking at collections relating to nearby buildings or organisations in case yours has been recorded by chance or in the background.

A brief explanation of archive cataloguing

Hierarchical structure – reflects the organisation that produced them

Not organised by subject – objective structure

Not every item will be catalogued

A brief explanation of archive cataloguing

Records of the

University’s buildings are

spread out across the

different series – under

administrative records,

committee minutes,

photographs and often

mentioned in student

magazines!

A brief explanation of archive cataloguing

Don’t rely on the search function

Think in terms of activities, functions, committees…

Remember the building – or even the road – might have changed name over time.

Planning a visit to an archive

Archives can seem quite intimidating but the rules are all there to ensure the long-term preservation of the documents .

You will usually be asked to put your bag in a locker, use pencil only and not eat or drink.

Planning a visit to an archive

Check in advance if you need to make an appointment and if you need to bring photo ID or proof of address

Ask permission before taking photographs – there may be good copyright or preservations reasons why you are not allowed.

How we can help you

The University of Westminster Archive team are happy to help all staff and students with any queries regarding archives- including both our own collections and those held elsewhere.

We can help you to track down the archives you need, provide advice on using archive catalogues, and assist you in approaching organisations whose archives are not easily accessible.

How we can help you

To ask our advice or use our collections visit us atLevel B3, 4-12 Little Titchfield St

Drop in times: Monday-Friday 10-12.30, 1.30-5 (staff & students only – external researchers need appointments)

Or email us at: archive@westminster.ac.uk

We also have online resources accessible fromhttp://www.westminster.ac.uk/archives