About the blog
The University of Sussex Special Collections holds a number of internationally acclaimed archival, manuscript and rare book collections, mostly relating to twentieth-century literary, political and social history. Our Special Collections include the papers of Rudyard Kipling, the New Statesman Archive, a series of collections relating to the Bloomsbury Group, including the Monks House Papers (Virginia Woolf), and over 60 other manuscript collections.
The Mass Observation Archive is a charitable trust in the care of the University of Sussex and Special Collections. The Archive contains the papers of the social research organisation of the 1930s and 50s and continues to collect new material in the present day. In recognition of its outstanding significance, the Archive was granted Designated Status in 2005.
Special Collections and the Mass Observation Archive are housed at The Keep.
For more details visit:
www.sussex.ac.uk/library/specialcollections
Congratulations on the ESRC Festival of Social Science events. I attended Mark Bhatti’s on gardening which I very much enjoyed and then last Friday at the Quadrant pub, the panel session led by Lucy Robinson on Happiness. Found that especially thought provoking – excellent talks from everyone. Bella’s discussion about the One Day for Life photos was as you’d expect from her completely fascinating. And Ben’s use of the early QueenSpark Books to discuss the ‘poor but happy’ trope was inspired. Nice to be in such convivial company – having a drink and listening to thoughtful people. How different from a University seminar room!
Should also mention taking part in the soft landing exercise at the Keep – lots more to do, it is clear but overall it is shaping up to be wonderful and the most important asset remains the kindness, professionalism and commitment of the lovely staff. Good luck for the opening event on Friday!
Dorothy