This online catalogue contains descriptions of the items in our collections. Low resolution images of some records are accessible online for personal non-commercial use. For the majority of items you will need to visit the relevant archive to view the garment or document you wish to see.
The University of Westminster maintains two archives - the University of Westminster Archive and the Westminster Menswear Archive. The logo in the top left-hand corner of each page will let you know which collection the item belongs to.
University of Westminster Archive
Items from the University of Westminster Archive are available to view by appointment. Please note that appointments are currently required for both external researchers, and University of Westminster staff and students. Please email archive@westminster.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.
As well as descriptions of items held by the University Archive, this catalogue also includes digital versions of some material. We are regularly adding more, so please check back regularly, or contact us if there is something specific that you are looking for.
A separate website exists for the Polytechnic Magazines, which have been digitised in their entirety from 1879 to 1960 at https://polymags.westminster.ac.uk/. The Polytechnic Magazines give extensive details of the institution’s activities during this period and are an excellent resource for researching the Polytechnic’s educational, sporting and social activities.
The majority of the Polytechnic Touring Association archive was digitised as part of Adam Matthews ‘Leisure, Travel and Mass Culture’ resource, and is available online at http://www.masstourism.amdigital.co.uk/. Staff and students of the University can access this resource by clicking any link on the homepage, which will take you through to the login screen. Then choose ‘The UK Access Management Federation’ login option.
We are happy to provide University of Westminster staff and students with guidance and advice about researching in archives elsewhere, including information on which collections are open for research, and online resources. Please email us for advice or to arrange an online enquiry appointment.
Westminster Menswear Archive
Information about the Westminster Menswear Archive’s collection is available here on our online catalogue. This includes descriptions of garments held by the University, and in many cases also photographs. More descriptions and photographs are added regularly but contact us if there is something specific that you are looking for. The Westminster Menswear Archive staff can be contacted at mensweararchive@westminster.ac.uk