University of Bradford >> Library >> Special Collections >> Subject Guide to Special Collections

Subject Guide to Special Collections

These are the headings we have found to be most useful to our readers. Each section includes an overview and a list of the most relevant collections.

Archaeology
History of Bradford and Yorkshire
History of Britain and Ireland
History of Continental Europe and World
History of the University of Bradford
History of Science, Technology, Medicine
Literature
Peace Studies
Religion

Archaeology

Research and teaching in archaeology at the University of Bradford integrates geography and the environment and brings together science and humanities to find out more about people of the past. Our three major archives in this subject area reflect these approaches. Jacquetta Hawkes united a poet's imagination with scientific discipline: she popularised the subject through books and broadcasts, and corresponded with many archaeologists. Arthur Raistrick was a pioneering industrial archaeologist who took a painstaking but popular approach to the study of lead mining in the Dales in particular. Calvin Wells brought his medical training to the study of archaeological evidence, developing the science of palaeopathology.

The Archive of the Prehistoric Society, currently being donated to Special Collections, will form an important new resource for the history of archaeology.

Collection	Further details	Groups
Jacquetta HAWKES Archive and Book Collection	Archaeologist, poet, journalist and broadcaster.
The Archive of the PREHISTORIC SOCIETY
Elizabeth and Arthur RAISTRICK Collection	Maps, books, papers on Yorkshire Dales, mining, Quaker history.
Calvin WELLS Archive and Book Collection	Palaeopathology, archaeology, history of medicine.

History : Bradford and Yorkshire

We do not aim to duplicate the comprehensive collections of material in local public libraries and record offices, though the Local Book Collection offers many standard works. Our collections reflect University history and interests, and include material on local industries and writers. We collect material about two regions: the West Riding and the Yorkshire Dales. Many of the peace-related collections concern campaigns in Bradford and Yorkshire.

Collection	Further details	Groups
Papers on ANTHRAX	The Bradford wool trade and a deadly disease.
BRADFORD CHEMICAL SOCIETY Transactions
BRADFORD DYERS' ASSOCIATION Archive
Fred Robinson BUTTERFIELD Collection	1930s photographs of the Yorkshire Dales
DYEING and TEXTILE HISTORY Book Collection
Papers of Sir Isaac HOLDEN and Family	Correspondence of Bradford wool manufacturer and MP. UK and French C19 history.
KEARTON Book Collection	Cherry and Richard Kearton, Swaledale born wildlife photographers.
LOCAL and Regional Book Collection	Historic books on Bradford and West Yorkshire, and the Yorkshire Dales.
W.R. MITCHELL Archive and Book Collection	Writer interested in Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria.
NEWSPAPERS in Special Collections	Bradford Pioneer, Citizen, Co-operative News, Reynolds News
Papers of the POPPLEWELL Inquiry into Crowd Safety	The 1985 Bradford City fire.
J.B. PRIESTLEY Archive and Book Collection	Bradford-born author and broadcaster.
Elizabeth and Arthur RAISTRICK Collection	Maps, books, papers on Yorkshire Dales, mining, Quaker history.
Joseph RILEY Archive	C19 Bradford businessman, wrote autobiography and travel diary.
W. RILEY Archive	Bradford-born popular novelist.
Titus SALT's day book	Processing alpaca C19 Bradford.
Fred SINGLETON Archive	Academic interested in Yugoslavia, Finland, Yorkshire.
WADDINGTON-FEATHER Collection	English language and literature, especially Yorkshire dialect.
The YORKSHIRE Ephemera Collection

History: Britain and Ireland

The strengths of Special Collections in this area are in modern history, from the 19th century to the present. Many of the peace-related collections will also be useful for historians.

Collection	Further details	Groups
ANTIQUARIAN Book Collection	Printed books and periodicals from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Ludwig BARUCH Internment Archive	World War 2 correspondence, internment, Home Front.
RAWNSLEY BRITISH UNION OF FASCISTS Collection	Interviews, a novel and an autobiography.
Barbara CASTLE Cabinet Diaries	UK politics 1960s and 1970s.
ENGLISH DOMESTIC POLITICS Collection	Press cuttings on industrial unrest 1918-1919.
Papers of Sir Isaac HOLDEN and Family	Correspondence of Bradford wool manufacturer and MP. UK and French C19 history.
IRISH DIASPORA material	A few items in Special, most in main stock.
KENNALLY Northern Ireland Archive	Belfast 1971.
Paul MCKEE Election Broadcasting Archive
Davina MILLER Archive on the SCOTT INQUIRY	Defence exports to Iraq.
Dimitrije MITRINOVIC and New Atlantis Foundation Library and Archive	1930s politics, sociology, philosophy, religion, art, esoterica and more.
NEWSPAPERS in Special Collections	Bradford Pioneer, Citizen, Co-operative News, Reynolds News.
PEART-BINNS Episcopal Biography Archive	Anglican bishops from the 19th century to the present.
Papers of the POPPLEWELL Inquiry into Crowd Safety	The 1985 Bradford City fire.
PUDSEY Civic Society Irish Home Rule Archive	Mainly C19 press cuttings.
REYNOLDS NEWS	Radical Sunday newspaper, 1850-1967.
Peggy SMITH drawings	1930s images of peace campaigners and other well-known people.	Cwl.
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY Book Collection	Historic books.

History : Continental Europe and World

Again, our collections focus on modern history. Following the University's historic research interests and Commonweal's specialisms, we have clusters of collections concerning the Balkans and India. Many of the peace-related collections concern international developments and shared campaigns.

Collection	Further details	Groups
H.G. ALEXANDER Minorities Archive	German minorities in Poland post-1919
ANTIQUARIAN Book Collection	Printed books and periodicals from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Harold BLAKEMORE Latin American Archive	Latin American history, especially Chile.
Papers of Barbara BRUCE	British nurse in India 1940s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Edith DURHAM Balkan Collection	Albania, Yugoslavia scrapbooks 1920s.
Joel Martin HALPERN Balkan Archive	Family life and social structures in Balkan region
Papers of Sir Isaac HOLDEN and Family	Correspondence of Bradford wool manufacturer and MP. UK and French C19 history.
INDEPENDENT LABOUR PARTY Russian Tour Material	Manuscript re visit to the USSR in 1932
KENNET Archive	Publications on international relations.
LAREDO South African Archive	Anti-apartheid campaigner.
Paul MCKEE Election Broadcasting Archive
Davina MILLER Archive on the SCOTT INQUIRY	Defence exports to Iraq.
Dimitrije MITRINOVIC and New Atlantis Foundation Library and Archive	1930s politics, sociology, philosophy, religion, art, esoterica and more
NEWSPAPERS in Special Collections	Bradford Pioneer, Citizen, Co-operative News, Reynolds News
Records of OPERATION NAMIBIA	Direct action against South Africa's role in Namibia, 1970s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Papers of Geoffrey OSTERGAARD	Academic and activist interested in sarvodaya movement, India.	Cwl. PaxCat.
REYNOLDS NEWS	Radical Sunday newspaper, 1850-1967.
Fred SINGLETON Archive	Academic interested in Yugoslavia, Finland, Yorkshire.
Bradford Students' Union SKOPJE Collection	Students helping after earthquake, 1960s.
Peggy SMITH drawings	1930s images of peace campaigners and other well-known people.	Cwl.
The YUGOSLAVIA AND BALKANS Ephemera Collection

History: University of Bradford

Special Collections contains the archives of the University and its predecessor institutions, the Technical College and Institute of Technology. The University Book Collection offers books published by the University or otherwise part of its story. We also have archives of politicians and academic staff who made a difference to the organisation, and two small archives on matters particularly affecting students. Many of the peace-related collections involved University people.

Collection	Further details	Groups
Revis BARBER and Dennis BELLAMY Papers	Governors, instrumental in creation of the University of Bradford
BRADFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Archive	1956-1966. Became the University of Bradford.
BRADFORD TECHNICAL COLLEGE Archive	1832-1956. Became the University of Bradford.
Adam CURLE Archive	First Professor of Peace Studies at the University, conflict resolution and peace education.
Ted EDWARDS Archive	First Vice-Chancellor of the University. Also peace campaigner.
Archives of the QUAKER PEACE STUDIES TRUST	Trust instrumental in developing Peace Studies at the University of Bradford.
Fred SINGLETON Archive	Academic interested in Yugoslavia, Finland, Yorkshire.
Bradford Students' Union SKOPJE Collection	Students helping after earthquake, 1960s.
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Archive
UNIVERSITY Book Collection	Bradford University Press, other works by or about University.
Alan WILLIAMS Students' Union Archive
Harold WILSON University Finance Speech	First Chancellor of the University.

History of Science, Technology, Medicine

We have a wide range of pre-1850 books on these subjects, thanks to the original interests of the Technical College which became the University. The archives relate mainly to Bradford's textile industries: innovations, working life, disease. We also have much to offer on the industries, wildlife and geology of the Yorkshire Dales. Our archives and books relating to nuclear issues often explore the science and technology in depth, notably the Rotblat books.

Collection	Further details	Groups
Papers on ANTHRAX	The Bradford wool trade and a deadly disease.
BRADFORD CHEMICAL SOCIETY Transactions
BRADFORD DYERS' ASSOCIATION Archive
DYEING and TEXTILE HISTORY Book Collection
The GRIMETHORPE Pressurised Fluidised Bed Combustion Project
HISTORY OF PHARMACY Book Collection	Printed books, especially pharmacopeias.
HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Book Collection
Papers of Sir Isaac HOLDEN and Family	Correspondence of Bradford wool manufacturer and MP. UK and French C19 history.
KEARTON Book Collection	Cherry and Richard Kearton, Swaledale born wildlife photographers.
W.R. MITCHELL Archive and Book Collection	Writer interested in Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria.
Dimitrije MITRINOVIC and New Atlantis Foundation Library and Archive	1930s politics, sociology, philosophy, religion, art, esoterica and more. Includes works on nature and science.
Elizabeth and Arthur RAISTRICK Collection	Maps, books, papers on Yorkshire Dales, mining, Quaker history.
Joseph RILEY Archive	C19 Bradford businessman, wrote autobiography and travel diary.
W. RILEY Archive	Bradford-born popular novelist.
Joseph ROTBLAT Book Collection	Modern books on nuclear science, disarmament.
Titus SALT's day book	Processing alpaca C19 Bradford.

Literature

Most of the literary archives in Special Collections were created by authors from Bradford or nearby. Others link to collection strengths in radical politics and ideas of the 20th century.

Collection	Further details	Groups
ANTIQUARIAN Book Collection	Printed books and periodicals from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Jacquetta HAWKES Archive and Book Collection	Archaeologist, poet, journalist and broadcaster.
W.R. MITCHELL Archive and Book Collection	Writer interested in Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria.
Dimitrije MITRINOVIC and New Atlantis Foundation Library and Archive	1930s politics, sociology, philosophy, religion, art, esoterica and more. Large section on literature especially John Cowper Powys.
PEART-BINNS Christian Socialist Archive	Tom Heron, Maurice Reckitt and their circles.
J.B. PRIESTLEY Archive and Book Collection	Bradford-born author and broadcaster.
Joseph RILEY Archive	C19 Bradford businessman, wrote autobiography and travel diary.
W. RILEY Archive	Bradford-born popular novelist.
Peggy SMITH drawings	1930s images of peace campaigners and other well-known people.	Cwl.
WADDINGTON-FEATHER Collection	English language and literature, especially Yorkshire dialect.

Peace Studies

This is our largest subject area. Peace studies material is also relevant to many other subjects, including the study of local, social and political history, women's history, and design. The sub-headings should give an idea of the range of material in Special Collections. Our greatest strength is probably the late 1950s and early 1960s material relating to the use of nonviolence in anti-nuclear campaigning. There is also much from 1980s nuclear disarmament, and a great deal concerning the role of the University, city and region in peace campaigns.

General

Collection	Further details	Groups
ARMS CONTROL Cuttings Collection	Press cuttings on nuclear weapons etc, 1980s and 1990s.
COMMONWEAL ARCHIVES	Over 70 archives on peace and social change. See Cwl entries in Groups column for individual archives.
COMMONWEAL LIBRARY	Not part of Special Collections, but this independent public library devoted to peace offers books and journals that complement the archives.
Dimitrije MITRINOVIC and New Atlantis Foundation Library and Archive	1930s politics, sociology, philosophy, religion, art, esoterica and more
The PEACE Ephemera Collection	Mostly 1980s campaigns.
Archives of PEACE NEWS	Especially useful for 1960s.	Cwl. PaxCat.

David Hoggett, Commonweal, Gandhi and India

Collection	Further details	Groups
Papers of Barbara BRUCE	British nurse in India 1940s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Archives of the COMMONWEAL COLLECTION	Records of independent peace library.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Papers of Geoffrey OSTERGAARD	Academic and activist interested in sarvodaya movement, India.	Cwl. PaxCat.

1950s and early 1960s nuclear disarmament movement

Collection	Further details	Groups
Papers of the European Organiser of the AMERICAN-EUROPEAN PEACE MARCH from San Francisco to Moscow	1960s nonviolent direct action.	Cwl. PaxCat.
The Papers of Hugh BROCK	Nonviolent direct action 1950s, Peace News, nuclear disarmament symbol.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Archives of the COMMITTEE OF 100 collected by Derry Hannam	1960s nuclear disarmament campaign.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Archives of the DIRECT ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NUCLEAR WAR	Nonviolent direct action 1950s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Papers of Margaret GARDINER	Mass media techniques in raising nuclear issues in 1960s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Jacquetta HAWKES Archive and Book Collection	Archaeologist, poet, journalist and broadcaster.
Papers of David MARKHAM relating to tax refusal	1960s nuclear weapons tax protest.	Cwl. Paxcat.
NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT Symbol Drawings	Original designs of the peace symbol for the 1958 Aldermaston March, by Gerald Holtom.	Cwl.
J.B. PRIESTLEY Archive and Book Collection	Bradford-born author and broadcaster. Instrumental in founding CND.
Papers of Michael RANDLE	1950s and 1960s direct action, George Blake prosecution case.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Papers of Mary RINGSLEBEN relating to the Committee of 100		Cwl. PaxCat.
Papers of Richard TAYLOR	1950s-60s peace movements	Cwl. PaxCat.

1980s peace camps

Collection	Further details	Groups
FRASER Collection on Nuclear Disarmament	1980 peace campaigning.
Papers of Ian and Jennifer HARTLEY on the Molesworth Peace Camp	1980s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Papers of Sarah MEYER relating to Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp	Also European peace conferences and camps.	Cwl. Paxcat.
Papers of Tim WALLIS on the Molesworth Peace Camp		Cwl. PaxCat.

Bradford and Yorkshire groups

Collection	Further details	Groups
Records of the BRADFORD NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT GROUP	1980s campaigners.	Cwl. PaxCat.
BRADFORD PEACE ACTION GROUP Archive	Creating Bradford's nuclear free zone, 1980s	Cwl. PaxCat.
Papers of Colin HUNTER	Councillor active in creating Bradford's nuclear free zone, 1980s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
The GRASSINGTON and District Peace Group Archive	Peace campaigners 1981-present.
Records of the WEST YORKSHIRE EUROPEAN NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT GROUP		Cwl. PaxCat.

Campaigns by professions

Collection	Further details	Groups
Records of ARCHITECTS FOR PEACE	Professional group, 1980s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
CRAIG Medical Peace Movements Archive	Medical professionals campaigning 1960s-1990s
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF WAR Archive	Doctors and war, 1950s onwards.

Academics and campaigns based at Bradford or other universities

Collection	Further details	Groups
ALTERNATIVE DEFENCE COMMISSION Archive	1980s academics and others on defence alternatives.	Cwl.
Archives of the CAMPAIGN AGAINST MILITARY RESEARCH ON CAMPUS	1980s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Archives of the COMMITTEE FOR CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION SUPPORT	Training and support for former Yugoslavia, 1990s.	Cwl.
Archives of the QUAKER PEACE STUDIES TRUST	Trust instrumental in developing Peace Studies at the University of Bradford.
Adam CURLE Archive	First Professor of Peace Studies at the University, conflict resolution and peace education.
Ted EDWARDS Archive	First Vice-Chancellor of the University. Also peace campaigner.
Fred SINGLETON Archive	Academic interested in Yugoslavia, Finland, Yorkshire.

Other groups and campaigns

Collection	Further details	Groups
Records of LONDON GREENPEACE	Anarchist collective, campaign against nuclear testing in 1970s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Records of OPERATION NAMIBIA	Direct action against South Africa's role in Namibia, 1970s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
David Hardisty PAX Collection	Catholic peace organisation	Cwl.
Records of the PEACE TAX CAMPAIGN	Conscientious objection to military tax spend. 1980s.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Records of the WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM (WILPF)		Cwl.
WINDSCALE INQUIRY Records		Cwl.

Other active individuals

Collection	Further details	Groups
Papers of Eric BAKER	Quaker peace activist, European links, Amnesty, campaigner against torture	Cwl. PaxCat.
Dorothy Freeborn MARTIN Peace Archive	Peace campaigns 1940s-1960s.
David MITCHELL Archive of Military Nonconformity	Includes conscientious objectors WW1.
Elizabeth and Arthur RAISTRICK Collection	Maps, books, papers on Yorkshire Dales, mining, Quaker history. AR was WW1 CO.
Peggy SMITH drawings	1930s images of peace campaigners and other well-known people.	Cwl.
Constance WILLIS Peace Archive

Book collections

Collection	Further details	Groups
COMMONWEAL RARE BOOKS	Historic or fragile books on peace.	Cwl.
QUAKER Book Collection
Elizabeth and Arthur RAISTRICK Collection	Maps, books, papers on Yorkshire Dales, mining, Quaker history.
Joseph ROTBLAT Book Collection	Modern books on nuclear science, disarmament.
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY Book Collection	Historic books.

Religion

Many of our archives were created by religious individuals or organisations, in particular Quakers and Methodists, and reflect peace testimony and efforts for social change. Here we have listed a few of the peace-related collections that contain most detail about this aspect. There will be relevant material in many others. We also have excellent collections of historic Quaker books, many theological and esoteric works in the Mitrinovic Library, and material concerning Anglicans.

Collection	Further details	Groups
ANTIQUARIAN Book Collection	Printed books and periodicals from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Papers of Eric BAKER	Quaker peace activist, European links, Amnesty, campaigner against torture	Cwl. PaxCat.
Papers of Ian and Jennifer HARTLEY on the Molesworth Peace Camp	Peace camp with strong Christian element. Hartleys were Anglicans/Quakers.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Papers of Colin HUNTER	Councillor active in creating Bradford's nuclear free zone, 1980s, and in Quaker groups.	Cwl. PaxCat.
Dimitrije MITRINOVIC and New Atlantis Foundation Library and Archive	1930s politics, sociology, philosophy, religion, art, esoterica and more.
David Hardisty PAX Collection	Catholic peace organisation.	Cwl.
PEART-BINNS Christian Socialist Archive	Tom Heron, Maurice Reckitt and their circles.
PEART-BINNS Episcopal Biography Archive	Anglican bishops from the 19th century to the present.
QUAKER Book Collection	Historic books, mainly 19th century.
Archives of the QUAKER PEACE STUDIES TRUST	Trust instrumental in developing Peace Studies at the University of Bradford.
Elizabeth and Arthur RAISTRICK Collection	Maps, books, papers on Yorkshire Dales, mining, Quaker history.
Joseph RILEY Archive	C19 Bradford businessman, wrote autobiography and travel diary, Methodist.
W. RILEY Archive	Bradford-born popular novelist whose Methodism appears throughout his work.
Peggy SMITH drawings	1930s images of peace campaigners, churchmen.	Cwl.
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY Book Collection	Historic books, including religious themes.
WADDINGTON-FEATHER Collection	English language and literature, especially Yorkshire dialect, gathered by an Anglican priest and author.
Papers of Tim WALLIS on the Molesworth Peace Camp	1980s peace camp with strong Christian element.	Cwl. PaxCat.

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