Bishopsgate Institute Special Collections and Archives document the experiences of everyday people, and the extraordinary individuals and organisations who have strived for social, political and cultural change.

Since the archive opened to the public in 1895 it has been steadily growing, with unique collections gifted and loaned to us. Some are London focused, but the lives they preserve and the issues they explore have national and global resonance.

The collections offer both breadth and depth. We have 150,000 books, pamphlets, maps and photographs of London. The Lesbian and Gay News media Archive (LAGNA) alone holds 350,000 press cuttings. The photographic archives over 500,000 images. We have a growing oral-history archive and the collections contain fascinating ephemera, from banners and badges to club flyers and condoms.

This trove of materials is supported by a searchable online catalogue.

An update on our re-opening

The Special Collections & Archives has re-opened. We are pleased to be welcoming back researchers on a limited appointment-only basis.

We are committed to re-opening in a way which is safe for researchers and staff. We have social distancing measures in place and have redesigned our systems and routes through our building so that we can operate safely and smoothly.

Opening times

Appointment-only

10:00 – 16:00

Monday – Friday

Due to limited space in the Library and the need for social distancing, we are only able to welcome eight researchers per day. These places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Booking a place

To book a place in the Special Collections and Archives, please contact library@bishopsgate.org.uk. Tell us which days you’d like to visit and the collections/subject areas you want to consult. We are currently taking bookings.

Once you’ve booked a place, we will email you with further instructions for your visit.

How we’re keeping you safe

We’re limiting the number of researchers who can access our spaces and have adjusted routes for accessing and using the Library to allow for social distancing.
Clear signage will appear throughout the building to guide you and remind you of social distancing measures.
Hand sanitiser and bathroom facilities will be available throughout the building.
Staff will sit behind screens where possible and wear masks.
All researchers will be expected to wear face masks at all times in our building, including when consulting material.
Collection items will be quarantined after use.

In the coming months we may adjust our processes and opening times as government guidance changes, and in response to feedback from researchers and staff.

An update on our re-opening

Opening times

Booking a place

How we’re keeping you safe

Browse our Collections ...

c1990-2020

Founded in 1895

1819-1896

1905-1998

b.1935

Find More London History

Founded in 1805

1864-1946

Founded in 1909

Formed in 1943

Founded in 1942

Founded in 1790

1968-2018

1926-2018

1920-2016

1921-2014

Formed in 1783

Formed in 1973

1939-2015

Formed in 2004

2006 – 2012

1978 – 2018

2009 – 2020

2015-2019

2017-2019

1989-1993

1975-2008

C2015-2020

1982-2003

Find More LGBTQ+ Archives

2019-2020

1996-2018

(1929-2017)

b. 1959

1940-2010

Founded 1977

1938-2012

1944-2017

1931-2015

Founded in 1972

Established in 1982

Founded in 1971

Founded in 1976

Formed in 2004

Established in 1974

Established in 1976

b.1952

b.1947

b.1952

b.1946

(b.1955)

Founded in 1992

(1923-2012)