Collections Library

The Collections Library is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-4pm, by advance appointment only.

Our collections and archives give a unique insight into what home means to different people through everyday objects and personal stories, all related to the lived domestic experience.

Browse our collections online, view our curated collections, or visit the Museum for inspiration. We’re expanding what’s available online all the time, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for, our curatorial team can help you select objects and archives to view. Our collections include:

• Printed books
• Manuscript material
• Archive material including The Bernard and Geraldine Cotton Archive of Regional Furniture 
• Photographs
• Audio and film oral history interviews
• Prints
• Wallpaper and textile samples
• Ceramics, glass and metalwork

The Collections Library is accessible via stairs or lift and we have:

• Various reading aids
• Height-adjustable furniture
• Charging points for electronic devices
• A copy stand available to all

Please only bring into the Collections Library what you need for your research and leave anything else, including bags and pens, in our dedicated lockers.

Our team will give you a brief introduction to archive and object handling at the start of your visit to keep both you and our collection safe.

Please fill in the booking request form at least 5 working days before you plan to visit. We recommend sending your request two weeks in advance for the best chance of availability during busy times (for example, spring and summer breaks).

We retain the right to defer or decline booking requests for reasons including but not limited to condition, size, or format of materials, or due to limitations in staffing capacity.

In the form, you will be asked about: 

• Your details 
• Preferred date and time 
• Object numbers/shelfmarks/titles of items you would like to see, from our online collections
• Topic and purpose of your research 

You can request a maximum of 10 items per visit. 

The curatorial team will be in touch to confirm your booking and continue the conversation around your object and archive selections.