Archive and Special Collections

Our Collections

For further details of these collections and how to access them please contact the library for assistance.

University of Cumbria Heritage Archives

Records relating to the University of Cumbria’s formation and activities, as well as the activities of legacy institutions including St. Martin’s College, Charlotte Mason College and Cumbria Institute of the Arts.

Key subject areas include: history of education; local history

Francis Carr Papers

Papers relating to all aspects of the work of artist Francis Carr (1919-2013), 1930s to 2000s. Carr founded the Landscape and Arts Network in 1993, with the aim of bringing together landscape architects, architects, artists, educationalists and ecologists in collaboration on environmental projects.

Key subject areas include: art, architecture, environment

Artworks

The University Art Collection contains works by artists including Barbara Hepworth, John Bratby, Shawn Williamson, Paul Mount, Norman Adams and Fred Yates.

Key subject areas include: late 19th – 20th century visual art

Rawnsley Collection

Printed books and journals from the late 19th and early 20th century, donated by Willingham F. Rawnsley (1845-1927), elder brother of Canon Hardwicke Drummond Rawnsley.

Key subject areas include: English literature, Greek drama, history

Rare Books

The collection comprises early editions of a range of books, and journals including The Studio: An Illustrated Magazine of Fine and Applied Art (1893-1949) and The Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society (1840-1889).

CWAAS Collection

In addition, we house the library of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society at our Brampton Road campus. You can find out more about the collection and request procedures online. Please note, items from the CWAAS collection can only be borrowed by CWAAS members. University of Cumbria staff and students can view items on a reference only basis.