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People using the archive at LCC
People using the archive at LCC
Archive centre at London College of Communication

Information about archives and Special Collections Centre, University of the Arts London (UAL), CSM, CCW, LCC, LCF.

Inspiring Collections

Students and staff talk about the inspiration they take from UAL libraries and archives. Filmed and edited by Nana Maiolini, 2016

The 6 Colleges of University of the Arts London are home to a wide range of archives and special collections.

More information about the collections held at the University can be found on the website for each College's special collections (links are given below). A number of the collections and archives held across the University are also listed on the University Archives and Special Collections online catalogue.

The collections include material relating to book art, film, fine printing, performance, product design, tailoring, typography and women's art. Resources are open to the general public. It is advisable to make an appointment before you visit using the contact email address or phone number of the site where the collection you wish to view is held.

An overview showcasing academic uses of archives and special collections at University of the Arts London is given in the following publication, available in both static and interactive PDF format.

The Library Services Archives and Special Collections Development and Management Policy is available below. For further information about this policy, please contact Sarah Mahurter, Manager, University Archives and Special Collections Centre s.mahurter@arts.ac.uk

Along with the University Archives and Special Collections Centre, which contains collections focusing on film, art and design including the Stanley Kubrick Archive, UAL houses the following collections:

Collections across UAL

  • Image of a woman with long dark hair wearing a dress holding a knife above her head next to a passage of text about Ali Baba.
    Credit: From the Walter Crane Collection, Camberwell College of Arts Library, University of the Arts London. From the Walter Crane Collection, Camberwell College of Arts Library, University of the Arts London.,
    Camberwell College of Arts

    Collections focusing on illustration and design.


  • Chelsea College of Arts

    Collections focusing on contemporary and modern art and artists.

  • Photo of necklace made up of silver leaves around edge
    Scilla Speet, Multiple Leaf Necklace, 2002, aluminium, silver, germanium,
    Central Saint Martins Materials and Products Collection

    A collection of materials focusing on current design and marketing trends.

  • An abstract zig-zag pattern
    Image courtesy of Central Saint Martins,
    Central Saint Martins Museum and Study Collection

    A collection of staff and student work as well as the Teaching Examples Collection including early printed books, prints and illuminated manuscripts.

  • Photo of the front cover of a brown book with the word Pandorra written on it and drawing of a woman's head also visible
    Credit: Pandorra, Arthur van Schendel, Decorated Books from the Netherlands Collection, London College of Communication Library Pandorra, Arthur van Schendel, Decorated Books from the Netherlands Collection, London College of Communication Library,
    London College of Communication

    Collections focusing on typography, print, book arts and zines.

  • Photo of a pink ballet shoe resting on a perspex stand
    Ballet Shoes, Gamba, 1930s, Cordwainers College Archive, London College of Fashion (LCF),
    London College of Fashion

    Collections focusing on all aspects of fashion including advertising and garments.

  • Jennet Thomas film still.
    Jennet Thomas.,
    , Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Jennet Thomas.
    Wimbledon College of Arts

    Collections relating to fine art and theatre design.

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