Skip to main content
Library Services
  1. Library Services
  2. Archives
  3. News

BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS OF THE ARCHIVES

In November 2009 the Archives carried out a series of tours of the new archives reading room facilities and secure storeroom where the collections are held.
Published:
Two women sit in the Archives Reading Room, one is working at a desk, whilst the other is seated at a research table viewing an item

The tours were organised to celebrate the opening of the Caroline Skeel Archives Reading Room, which is located on the 2nd floor of the Mile End Library.

The tours were attended by about 50 students and staff, who were able to find out more about how to access the collections, and learn about the methods used by Archives staff to preserve the unique and valuable collections. Participants were also treated to a selection of the more eccentric and pioneering items in the collections. Everything from advertisements for ‘pigeon charmers’ at the People’s Palace in the late Victorian period, to original posters from the French student revolution in the 1960s.

Positive feedback was received from participants who made comments such as ‘fascinating to discover what is here’, ‘really terrific', 'a much needed and appreciated service’.  

The Archives are planning on holding additional tours later in the year. Until then users are invited to take a virtual tour through the Archives Gallery, Behind the Scenes in the Archives. To find out more about our collections see the collections listed in Archives Bookmarks.

 

 

Back to top