Archive Collection

The archive collection is a resource of national significance for the study of twentieth century book illustration, art and design and textile design. The collection was established to provide access to unique primary source material for students, teachers and researchers working with the Library’s outstanding Book Design Collection.

Whilst the principal focus of the collection remains upon British book design, illustration and publication in the twentieth century, recent acquisitions have expanded its scope to include postwar textile design and manufacture.

Currently viewing:
Barnett Freedman, maquette for Underground advertisement

Barnett Freedman Archive, © The estate of Barnett Freedman

Some highlights of the collection include:

Barnett Freedman archive • This is a substantial archive of the papers and some pieces of original artwork from the influential artist, illustrator and designer Barnett Freedman (1901–1958). Freedman is perhaps especially regarded for his innovations in colour lithographic techniques and his book jacket designs for Faber and Faber.

Simon Lawrence and The Fleece Press archive • Acquired from one of Britain’s most important private presses this archive comprises material concerning all the Fleece’s publications from inception to completion. Project files include the publisher’s notes, correspondence with authors and illustrators and proofs and mock-ups of text and illustrations.

Paul Hogarth archive • This archive is the largest in the collection. It comprises the papers and original artwork from the important book illustrator and ‘artist reporter’ , Paul Hogarth (1917–2001). Hogarth was a Royal Academician who worked with some of the most significant post-war British and Irish artists and writers including: Doris Lessing; Robert Graves; Brendan Behan and Lawrence Durrell. Of particular interest is the extensive material concerning Hogarth’s collaborations with the novelist Graham Greene.

John Farleigh archive • An archive comprising nearly one hundred engraved woodblocks as well as a large number of developmental prints from those blocks by a leading twentieth century wood engraver and artist, John Farleigh (1900–1965).

Rigby Graham archive • An archive of, principally, prints and original artwork from one of the county’s most significant topographical artists and printmakers, Rigby Graham.

Peter Reddick archive • Peter Reddick is one of the country’s leading wood engravers and printmakers. This archive consists of a great range of his developmental prints and original sketches as well as some editioned prints, original artwork in other media and some associated correspondence.

Cotton Board, Colour Design and Style Centre Photographic Collection • When the CBCDS Centre was established in post-war Manchester it was the first of its kind in the country and was intended, through exhibitions, education and fashion shows, to encourage the highest possible design quality within the British Textile industry. The archive comprises some 1,300 photographic negatives taken by the photographer employed by the Centre between 1950 and 1969 to record textiles, exhibitions, fashion shows and the development of the Centre.

Other archives held by MMU: Design Process archive, Parry family archive, Harry Pratt archive, Doreen Roberts archive, Walter Fielden Royle archive, Leslie Wood archive.

The Archive collection has been supported by the RSLP (Research Support Libraries Programme)

Contact the Archive Collection

Access is by appointment, Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm

Open for research by staff, students and external visitors.

Phone +44 (0)161 247 6159

E-mail library-archives@mmu.ac.uk