The Archives Collection, part of the RIBA Library Drawings & Archives Collections, provides an outstanding body of primary source material for the study of British architecture and related subject areas as well as the development of the architectural profession in Britain.
 
The collection is housed with the Drawings Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum as part of the V&A + RIBA Architecture Partnership| and may be accessed via the Study Rooms|.
 
The collection dates from the seventeenth century to the present day and includes a diverse range of manuscript, typescript and printed material, often illustrated, comprising:

• architects' personal papers, including correspondence, notebooks and diaries
• architects' job files, including contracts, specifications, correspondence and accounts
• press cuttings collections
• literary papers of architectural writers
• records of architectural societies
• notes and drafts of lectures, articles and books
  pamphlets, brochures, information leaflets
• the RIBA's own administrative archive

Many of these collections contain information that is little known or yet to be fully exploited, making the archives an exciting source for those wishing to produce original work using new evidence.
 
Architecture is a visual art, but a documentary resource provides essential information to help explain and interpret the built environment. The Archives Collection can be used in conjunction with the Library's comprehensive Books| and Periodicals Collections, Photographs Collection| and Drawings Collection|, to provide a comprehensive research and educational resource, enabling a greater understanding of the theories and principles behind the history and practice of architecture.
 

Uses of the archive
Architectural archives may

• aid the understanding and appreciation of architectural principles and methods of construction
• inform about historical buildings of merit and significance
• provide information to help conserve and restore buildings to their original condition
•  help to inform the development of new architecture, which is necessarily based on accumulated knowledge as well as invention
• document the social and historical context of a building
• inspire and excite interest in architecture from a unique source, providing information that is not found elsewhere
• be contemporary with the buildings to which they refer, thus providing a perspective that cannot be gained from published sources, often written after the event, for a specific audience or with a specific agenda

Terms of use
The Royal Institute of British Architects has a responsibility to care for the unique documents in its collections, preserving them for future generations. We ask readers to read and follow the Conditions of Use which are available in the Study Rooms|.
 
A proportion of the collection is held off-site, in particular the majority of the RIBA's own archive, and it is necessary to make an appointment to see this material. Uncatalogued collections are not normally available for use.
 
It is advisable to contact the Drawings and Archives Collections to ensure that the Archives hold material relevant to your enquiry and that it is readily accessible. 
 
Catalogue
The archives are described in the Library's online catalogue|.
 
Contact us
If you require further information about any of our holdings or services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7307 3708 (desk staffed Tuesday-Saturday 10.00-17.00)

Fax: +44 (0)20 7589 3175

Email: drawings&archives@inst.riba.org|