Letters (10) and papers of or relating to Giacomo Meyerbeer, including to Giovanni Ricordi, 29 Jun 1824; to Leopold Ganz, 17 May 1847; to Jean-Antoine-Just Géraldy, c1850; to Annette Le Brun, ?before 1854; to James Steuart Bowes, ?1854; to C L Gruneisen, [14 Apr 1860]. With two testimonials for Leopold Ganz, 1845.

Minute books, peal books, annual reports and newsletters of the Middlesex County Association; leaflets and minutes of the Middlesex Association of Change Ringers and minutes, attendance books, financial accounts and administrative papers of the South and West District, including some papers of Percy Venn; and minutes and financial accounts of the North and East District.

Programmes, press cuttings, articles and transcripts relating to the composer Anthony Milner, used by James Siddons in his Anthony Milner: a Bio-Bibliography (Westport, CT, 1989), comprising scrap books of reviews of Milner's music and articles by or on Milner, 1951-1960; press cuttings relating to Milner's liturgical compositions in regard to the introduction of English in the Roman Catholic liturgy, and Milner's views of the translation of the order of mass into English, 1964-1970; music programmes (with some reviews) of concerts featuring Milner's works, 1958-1985; reviews and press cuttings of Milner's work and performances, c1958-1979; brief biographical notes on Milner, and schedules and itineraries of his lecture tours of Canada and USA, 1964-1985; transcript of 'Anthony Milner on his 50th birthday', a talk on 'Music weekly', BBC Radio 3, by Hugh Wood, 11 May 1975; 'Anthony Milner - a comment on his work' typescript article by Stephen Dodgson (MS 5866). Three published articles by Milner, with covering to Sir Keith Falkner, on the problem of the vernacular in the Roman Catholic liturgy, 'Music in a vernacular Catholic liturgy' paper read to the Royal Musical Association, 4 Jan 1965; 'The instruction on sacred music', Worship vol 41 no 6 Jun-Jul 1967; 'Music and liturgy', The Month, 1965-1966 (MS 6995)

Papers of Stephen Moore, 1926-1961, including correspondence on the establishment of the Worcestershire Association of Music Societies, including letters from prospective patrons Sir Hugh Allen, Carice Elgar Blake, Sir Edward Elgar, Sir W H Hadow, Sir Hamilton Harty; correspondence regarding Moore's donation of percussion instruments to the Royal College of Music, 1948; newspaper cuttings and order of service for the unveiling and dedication of the memorial to Elgar in Westminster Abbey, 1 Jun 1972.

Letters from Sir Robert Moray to his friend Alexander Bruce, Earl of Kincardine, 1657-1673. Also known as 'The Kincardine Papers'. Bruce was sick of the ague in Bremen for part of this time, and the letters were written to alleviate the tedium of his illness, hence ranging over topics which might not otherwise have been the subjects of correspondence. They include accounts of chemical experiments in his laboratory, his interest in magnetism, medicine in all its aspects, horticulture, fuel, whale fishing, its risks and profits, coal mining, water wheels and tide mills, stone quarrying and the various qualities of different stones, the pumping works needed for undersea coal mines at Bruce's home at Culross in Fifeshire, even to the trees whose wood was best for pipelines, and the diameter of the bore best suited to the purpose. Familiarity is shown with mathematical and surveying instruments, with music, and all sorts of mechanical devices and especially clocks and watches, more particularly the taking out of a patent in respect of a clock for use at sea for finding longitude. Bruce is advised on the choice of books over a wide range of subjects. Moray includes anecdotes to amuse his ailing correspondent; he describes his quiet life and is enthusiastic about many of his chemical experiments. Notable at the end of the letters Moray added what he described as his Masonic signature - a pentagram which also occurs in his crest.

Letters from Sir Robert Moray to his friend Alexander Bruce, Earl of Kincardine, also known as 'The Kincardine Papers'. Bruce was sick of the ague in Bremen for part of this time, and the letters were written to alleviate the tedium of of Bruce's illness, hence ranging over topics which might not otherwise have been the subjects of correspondence. They include accounts of chemical experiments in his laboratory, his interest in magnetism, medicine in all its aspects, horticulture, fuel, whale fishing, its risks and profits, coal mining, water wheels and tide mills, stone quarrying and the various qualities of different stones, the pumping works needed for undersea coal mines at Bruce's home at Culross in Fifeshire, even to the trees whose wood was best for pipelines, and the diameter of the bore best suited to the purpose. Familiarity is shown with mathematical and surveying instruments, with music, and all sorts of mechanical devices and especially clocks and watches, more particularly the taking out of a patent in respect of a clock for use at sea for finding longitude. Bruce is advised on the choice of books over a wide range of subjects. Moray includes anecdotes to amuse his ailing correspondent; he describes his quiet life and is enthusiastic about many of his chemical experiments. Notable at the end of the letters Moray added what he described as his Masonic signature - a pentagram which also occurs in his crest.

Papers of the Morgan family, 1891-1963, comprising papers, reports, photographs, music and other personal memorabilia of Robert Orlando Morgan, R.G.S.M., Professor of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama 1887-1951, of his second son, Cyril Douglas Morgan, Principal Clerk to the Chamberlain of London 1946-1958 and of his son, M.D. Morgan, the depositor of these documents.

Theatrical columns of "The Referee", 1903-1909, and "The Curtain", 1922-1933; notebooks with lists of plays Morley acted in, c1904-1964; notebooks on plays seen, 1955-1966; articles by Morley, c1925-1965; London play diaries, 1932-1964; "Historical and Descriptive Accounts of Theatres of London" by Edward Wedlake Brayley, 1833; correspondence regarding publication of a manuscript by Morley, 1984-1986; scrapbook of productions in Canada, 1947-1950; minutes of Everyman Theatre Guild Limited, 1929-1931; autobiographical drafts and correspondence, 1913-1972; typescript plays by Alexander Ostrovsky, Nella Nagra, Etienne Rey, Alfred Savoir, August Strindberg, Franz Werfel, Herman Voaden, Astrid Arygll, Alice Gerstenberg, Sacha Guitry, Bjornson, Karen Bramson, Henri Gheon (undated).

Papers and books belonging to the theatre critic Sheridan Morley (1941-2007). Includes correspondence, records relating to his various productions, volumes of press coverings covering his reviews, research notes and transcripts of some of his publications, photographs, records relating to his father Robert Morley and Grandmother Gladys Cooper, records relating to Noel Coward, theatre memorabilia and ephemera and objects.

The records of Musica Reservata comprise original notes, company minutes, correspondence, lyrics and programmes, 1960-1992, notably including manuscript and typescript notes and proofs compiled by Michael Morrow describing the development of Renaissance music for talks, lectures and his published works, [1960-1985]; minutes of the company Council, 1972-1978; company reports, 1972-1974; rehearsal notes, itineraries and tour plans, 1972-1974; correspondence with Michael Morrow and others, mainly concerning the organisation of concerts including fees, 1960-1981; assorted manuscript and typescript lyrics of early modern music, [1960-1980]; programmes and leaflets advertising Musica Reservata performances, 1960-1989; press cuttings on early music, including reviews, 1971-1989.

Papers of Iris Murdoch, 1962, comprising a letter to Pam Stringer thanking her for remembering to send her the words of a song 'it fills an important blank in my novel...it is supposed to bring tears to the eyes when sung' and expressing pleasure at having seen Stringer recently in Cheltenham.

First editions of some of Iris Murdoch's novels, and other rare texts- 13 volumes in total. Consists of:

KUAS25/1 Limited edition playscript for The One Alone (Colophon Press, 1995)

KUAS25/2 Copy of A Year of Birds poems by Iris Murdoch, engravings by Reynolds Stone (Compton Press, 1978)

KUAS25/3 Unrevised proof copy of The Time of the Angels (Viking Press, 1966)

KUAS25/4 Copies of Sartre; Romantic Rationalist by Iris Murdoch (Bowes and Borwes, 1953)

KUAS25/5 Playscript of The Italian Girl: A Play,/i> by Iris Murdoch and James Saunders (Samuel French, 1968)

KUAS25/6 Unrevised proof copy of The Italin Girl the novel (Viking Press, 1964)

KUAS25/7 Reprint of Existentialists and Mystics by Iris Murdoch (Delos Press, 1993)

KUAS25/8 Programme for the play The Black Prince adapted by Iris Murdoch's from her novel The Black Prince (1973)

KUAS25/9 First edition of Iris Murdoch's first novel, Under the Net (London, Chatto and Windus 1954). With original dust jacket.

KUAS25/10 First edition of Iris Murdoch's novel, The Sandcastle (London, Chatto and Windus 1957). With original dust jacket.

KUAS25/11 First edition of Iris Murdoch's novel, The Good Apprentice (London, Chatto and Windus - The Hogarth Press 1985). With original dust jacket.

KUAS25/12 First edition of Iris Murdoch's novel, The Book and the Brotherhood, (London, Chatto and Windus 1987). With original dust jacket.

KUAS25/13 First edition of Iris Murdoch's novel, The Message to the Planet, (London, Chatto and Windus 1989). With original dust jacket.

This class contains a volume of seventy-three printed songs maninly by Charles Dibdin (1745-1814) and autographed or initialled by him, but also including works by Charles Dibdin the Younger (1768-1833) and Thomas Dibdin (1771-1841); many of these songs have naval subjects such as 'Jervis for Ever', 'The Death of Nelson' and the 'Blind Sailor'. The volume was probably compiled by Thomas Legard whose name it bears with the date 1806. There is also a full score, in manuscripts, of a cantata entitled 'The Sea Engagement' celebrating the Battle of the Nile, August 1798, and composed shortly afterwards. The work, both words and music, is by Adam Kroll. who describes himself as an 'amateur', and is dedicated to Nelson. Arranged for an orchestra of forty-three performers, it consists of an overture, a descriptive instrumental piece, two airs and a duet.

Fragment of a folio containing four staves of musical notation; on the recto, part of the music is headed '1. H.S. Jeige or hornpip / the mock to the Comitee. Jo. Houlartson', and on the verso there is an apparently unrelated bass part, possibly in a different hand. The manuscript was written in the 16th century.

Papers of Sir George Nares including notes concerning the voyage of HMS ALERT and HMS DISCOVERY, 1875-1876; copy of instructions for survey in the ALERT, 1878 and list of dangers requiring examination; autographed menu for a dinner given to welcome home members of the ALERT and DISCOVERY expedition, 6 Dec 1876; note made in preparation for an obituary of Nares; song sheet of 'Away to the North: a song for the Arctic expedition of 1875' by M Mackay.

Records of the National Campaign for the Arts, [1945-1998], comprising material relating to international arts policies in Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, USA, Europe, Denmark, France, Italy, Germany, Republic of Ireland, Scandinavia, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Turkey, [1980s-1990s]; material concerning government dealings with the arts, including Reports of the Education, Science and Arts Committee, correspondence with MPs from the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties, and surveys of Local Authority arts spending; Reports of the Arts Council of Great Britain, 1945-1994, including reports on the national arts and media strategy; papers relating to regional Arts Boards in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; papers concerning quangos such as the British Council, the Crafts Council, the Museums and Galleries Commission and the Scottish Museums Council; material relating to arts organisations, including ABSA, the BBC, the British Film Institute, the English National Opera, the Independent Television Commission, the London Arts Lobby, the National Lottery and the Royal Opera House; subject files relating to types of art form, notably architecture, broadcasting, dance, education, film, literature, museums, libraries, music, opera, orchestras, radio, theatre and visual arts; publications relating to the arts in Great Britain; and correspondence files of officers of the NCA, [1985-1990].

Records of the National Training School for Music, 1873-1882, comprising minutes of the Committee of Management, 1873-1882, including proposed charter of the School, concert programmes, accounts, and correspondence; register of scholars, 1876-1882 (indexed).

Copies of the papers of Maria Nermi-Egounoff, opera singer, 1938-1990, including Nermi-Egounoff's cv, replete with press cuttings of reviews of her work; short biographies of British residents of Hungarian extraction who were anti-Semitic; newspaper articles and biographical notes.

Manuscript operetta in several hands, perhaps including that of the author, Patrick Robertson, entitled 'La festa d'overgroghi, operetta seria comica, in due atti...parole inglesi-italiane dal Signor Coccalicchi. Rappresentata nella Casa Skenea, Edinburgo, Marzio 1832', and containing instructions to the printer. The manuscript is bound with a printed copy of Nugae Legales (according to the half-title only), containing the printed operetta and some other items. The printed version is fuller than the manuscript, and the leaves are laid down to the size of the manuscript leaves.

Personal notebook of member of the Palmer family, listing details (artists, conductors and composers) of musical works performed under the auspices of the Royal College of Music Patron's Fund, 1919-1939.

Papers of Christopher Palmer, [1928-1989], comprising scrapbooks collated by Palmer containing printed articles, press cuttings, draft articles and programme notes relating to the work of Serge Prokofiev, including sections on Prokofiev's operas, ballets, symphonies and orchestral works, as well as general biographical material. There is also material relating to Palmer and Oleg Prokofiev's edition of Serge Prokofiev's Soviet Diary 1927 and other writings, (Faber and Faber, 1991), including corrections and editorial notes; and various drafts of articles and programme notes on Prokofiev written by Palmer, [1988-1992].

Letters to Adelaide Parker, Bruno d'Arba and Joan McLeod, 1910-1959, including letters and postcards to Adelaide Parker regarding her performances from, Joseph Bonnet, Basil Harwood, Wanda Landowska, C Hubert H Parry, Ethel Smyth, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Charles-Marie Widor; letters to Bruno d'Arba from Francis Jackson; letters to Joan d'Arba from George W Russell (`AE'); letters to Joan Mcleod in relation to submission of her poetry for publication, including 8 from Walter de la Mare; letter from W B Yeats on setting of his poetry to music, undated.

Papers of Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, comprising:
Manuscripts of Parry's lectures on various musical subjects at the Royal College of Music, the Royal Institution, Oxford, Birmingham and Leeds, c1891-c1915 (MS 4305-4338, 4811-4812).
15 letters from Parry to Charles Stuart-Wortley, 1876-1907, the earlier letters relating mainly to social matters and containing advice from Parry on points of composition, the later letters relating to the business of the Council of the RCM (Stuart-Wortley was a member of the Council), particularly to appointments of staff and finances (MS 4764).
'History essays', rough examination notes on student's work, undated (MS 6937).
Letter from Parry to [R S] Thatcher, regarding a setting for ['Arthur'], 1910 (MS 6967).
Correspondence with Robert Bridges, 1895, concerning 'Invocation to Music' (MS 7278).
Manuscript draft of Parry's address as Director of the RCM, Jan 1901 (MS 7279).
DMus citations for Elgar and Glazunov [1907] and papers concerning RCM Patron's Fund [1904-1905], (MS 7280).
Correspondence with J F Bridge concerning 'I was glad', 1901-1902 (MS 7281).
Papers and correspondence with Kegan Paul Trench Trubner & Co. concerning Parry's book The art of music, 1896-1911 (MS 7282).
Correspondence with James Murray, editor of the Oxford English Dictionary, 1902, regarding musical information for the dictionary (MS 7283).
4 letters from Hugh P Allen (mostly undated), including letters relating to Parry's election as an honorary member of the Cambridge University Musical Society, and to Parry's election to the Music Board of the RCM (MS 7284).
Correspondence between RCM, Repton School and Novello, publishers, concerning Repton School's use of a hymn tune from Parry's Judith, 1924 (MS 7285).
Miscellaneous drafts, letters and papers, 1898-1931, including various copies of Parry's letters as Director of the RCM, mainly in regard to honours, and correspondence with A P Watt, literary agent, 1916, regarding setting of Rudyard Kipling's poem 'For all we have and are' to music by Parry (MS 7286).
Letters concerning wills, properties and other legal matters, 1907-1924 (MS 7287).
Agreement with Pitman to print The aims and limits of musical education (MS 7288).

Papers of Madeline Payne (1879-1962), concert pianist and former student of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, including correspondence, photographs, programmes, articles and newspaper cuttings, 1893-1957.

A score of one of Perez's operas, mid 18th century, Didone Abbandonata (Didone in Salveterra).

Photographs of the staff and students of Bedford College, [1849-1985], including academic and domestic staff, members of the governing body, and union committees. Photographs of the buildings of Bedford College, 1849-[1975]. Photographs of special events, 1913-1985, including royal visits, opening ceremonies, garden parties and the final reunion. Photographs concerning academic departments, 1922-1985, and resident students, 1946-1963. Photographs of student activities, 1887-[1970], including sports and drama. Correspondence relating to the photographic material, [1913-1985]. Photographic negatives and lantern slides, [1890-1940].

Records of the organisation known variously as the Polytechnic Sports Club, the The Institute of the Polytechnic Sports and Social Clubs, and The Polytechnic Sports Club Committee, as well as records of the Polytechnic's Men's and Women's Council, and Joint Council.

This collection includes all records relating to the organisation of sports and social activities by members of the Polytechnic except for records of the individual clubs themselves, which are catalogued as separate collections. However it does include correspondence with the clubs by the Secretary and Committees. This collection also includes papers relating to the award of Polytechnic-wide medals and trophies, including the Elsie Hoare Trophy, Studd Trophy and Ditchman Trophy.

The archive consists of correspondence between Lisa Pottesman and Sylvia Pankhurst, letters concerning the petition for Dr. Burt White' s re-instalment, press cuttings and biographical notes about Lisa Pottesman.

Items related to musical theatre collected by scholar and musician Alan Poulton. Includes programmes, books, research and other items relating to the work of Stephen Sondheim, and other items relating more widely to the world of musical theatre including journals, books and recordings.

Papers of Dora M Powell mainly relating to the music of Sir Edward Elgar, particularly his Variations on an original theme ('Enigma Variations'), Opus 36 and Dora Powell's book Edward Elgar: memories of a variation (Oxford University Press, London, 1937 and subsequent editions, revised 1994), comprising correspondence, 1934-1960, including correspondence of her husband Richard Crofts Powell relating to the Enigma theme, and particularly his article 'Elgar's "Enigma"', Music and Letters 15 (1934), the correspondence also includes letters from those connected personally or musically with Elgar such as Sir Percy Clarke Hull and Arthur Troyte Griffith; printed music (some signed by Elgar), 1892-1907; draft articles, talks and notes by Dora Powell relating to Elgar; programmes for concerts of Elgar's music, 1908-1959; autograph manuscripts of Elgar's 'The Shepherd song' and 'Rondel' (Opus 16); cuttings relating to Elgar, including reviews of Powell's book, 1910-1944; programme of the Elgar memorial concert, 3 Jun 1934; My friends pictured within: subjects of the Enigma Variations as portrayed in contemporary photographs and Elgars MS (Novello and Co, London).

Translations from Russian literature by S W Pring including translations of short stories by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov; translation of the composer Nikolai Andreevich Rimsky-Korsakov's memoirs; correspondence relating to the possible publication in book form of Pring's translation of correspondence between Rimsky-Korsakov and Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev.

The Women's Library continues to document the development of feminism in the UK, and examples of '3rd wave' activity can be found within our Zine Collection. The Zine Collection began with a donation of 50 zines by Ladyfest London in 2002. This Collection comprises self-published magazines reflecting contemporary feminism and the attitudes and concerns of young women in the UK today. It currently includes over 150 indexed zines on topics ranging from music, feminism, art, fashion, food, politics, sexuality, gender, ethnicity, popular culture, travelling, relationships, parenting and much more. The Women's Library aims to collect and preserve women's zines from the 1970s to the present day.

Papers of Lina Prokofiev, [1920-1987], including personal material such as copies of letters written by Serge Prokofiev; copies of correspondence between Lina's family and Prokofiev, [1931-1938]; copies of financial material, 1929-1935; correspondence and official papers relating to Lina's attempts to leave the Soviet Union and later to remain in Europe, [1973-1978]; personal correspondence of Lina, 1974-1989, with correspondents including her children and grandchildren, authors writing books on Prokofiev and Lina, and musical societies and orchestras requesting permission to perform Prokofiev's works; business correspondence, [1977-1985], regarding the setting up of the Serge Prokofiev Foundation and the collection of archival material, as well as legal matters relating to the Prokofiev estate and Lina's autobiography; papers relating to Lina's visit to the USA in 1976-1977, including schedules, correspondence, press cuttings and programmes; material relating to Lina's performance as the narrator in Peter and the Wolf at the Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts, 1984-1985; family photographs. The collection also includes transcripts from taped interviews with Lina covering topics such as her family background, the early life and musical training of Serge Prokofiev, Prokofiev's composing methods, health, politics and relationship with his children, the public reception of Prokofiev's music, Lina and Prokofiev's courtship and marriage, and life in Soviet Russia; texts of articles and broadcasts by Lina, [1982-1984], on topics including Prokofiev's relationship with Stravinsky, and the writing of Romeo and Juliet and the Third Piano Concerto; articles by various authors relating to Prokofiev, [1976-1977, 1980-1982]; pamphlets, press cuttings and articles relating to Prokofiev's life and work, and to performances of his music, [1975-1987]; copies of the Moscow News, 1934-1935; and pamphlets, published works and cassettes concerning Christian Science.

Papers of Oleg Prokofiev, including material relating to the life and work of his father, Serge Prokofiev, notably copies of letters from Serge Prokofiev to various correspondents, 1920-1945, including Fatima Samoilenko, 1920-1936; extracts from articles and letters of Prokofiev; material relating to Prokofiev's Diary, comprising photocopies of the text, transcripts and a typescript article relating to it; copies of music manuscripts (scores) of Prokofiev; photographs of Prokofiev and his family; pamphlets, press cuttings and articles relating to Prokofiev's life and work, and to performances of his music, [1946-1996]; texts of interviews given by Oleg on his father's life and work, [1989-1991], and articles written by him about Prokofiev, [1993]; various published scores of Prokofiev's music, including Peter and the Wolf and the Fiery Angel; and published works relating to Russian culture and Prokofiev. Further material concerning performances of Serge Prokofiev's work include articles and scores of Vladimir Blok relating to Prokofiev, [1990-1995], as well as a tape of an interview at a concert at the Hungary Centre, Moscow, 1995; and correspondence with and cuttings from articles on Frederic Chiu, 1992-1996, relating to his recordings of Prokofiev's music. Personal papers of Oleg comprise material relating to his own literary work; photocopies of stories written by Prokofiev in 1917-1918, with Oleg's translation into English; a draft of an article on Shostakovich; a manuscript notebook entitled 'My father, his music and me'; and a draft by Oleg of a biography of Robert Falk (1886-1958). There is also family correspondence.

Papers of Serge Prokofiev, [1915]-1936, mainly comprising private and business correspondence relating to the performance and publication of Prokofiev's compositions. Much of the collection consists of personal correspondence concerning his working relationship with other artists including conductors Albert Coates, Sir Henry Wood, Sergei Koussevitsky, Hermann Scherchen, and Ernest Ansermet; soloists Joseph Szigeti, Pablo Casals, Robert Soëtans and Fyodor Shalyapin; composers Igor Stravinsky, Nikolai Miaskovsky, Maurice Ravel and practically all French composers of the 1920s and 30s; theatre directors Vsevolod Meyerhold and Alexander Tairov; the Director of the Ballets Russes, Serge Diaghilev; poets and writers such as Konstantin Balmont and Vladimir Maiakovsky; and chess grandmaster José Capablanca. The papers also include financial material such as bills and accounts, legal papers and correspondence concerning concerts in the USA, France, Italy, Spain, England, the Soviet Union and Germany; and the publication and copyright of Prokofiev's work. Individuals and companies with which Prokofiev dealt in these matters included musical societies such as the Aeolian Company in the USA, Concerts Populaires de Bruxelles, and Concerts Pasdeloup in Paris; music publishers such as Breitkopf and Härtel in Leipzig, Russicher Musikverlag in Berlin and Edition Russe de Musique in Paris; and Soviet music publishing and arts authorities including the State Publishing House, the Moscow and Leningrad conservatories, and the Direction of State Theatres. There is also correspondence regarding the composition of ballets and operas, notably The Love for Three Oranges, Chout, the Fiery Angel and Le Pas d'Acier. The remainder of the collection consists of diaries, personal notes and press cuttings relating to Prokofiev's work.

Records of the London County Council Public Control Department relating to diseases of animals and regulation of performing animals, 1892-1963, including files on foot and mouth disease; anthrax; glanders (a contagious disease in horses); parasitic mange; rabies and hydrophobia; sheep scab; sheep pox; Johne's Disease (wasting condition of cattle); fowl pest; the Report of the Committee on the Slaughtering of Livestock, 1932; the Departmental Committee of Inquiry into Cruelty to British Wild Animals; Interdepartmental Committee on Slaughterhouses; importation of dogs and cats orders; transit of animals orders; animals (sea-transport) orders; destruction of carcases; overcrowding of animals in railway trucks; transit of unfit animals by rail and road; the Control of Dogs Orders and Dogs Act, 1906; Exported Cattle Protection Order, 1957; Protection of Animals Act, 1911; Pet Animals Act, 1951; Animals Boarding Establishments Act, 1963; Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876; Protection of Birds Act, 1954; the Markets (Protection of Animals) Order, 1964; Animal (Cruel Poisons) Act, 1962. Also registers compiled under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act, 1925.

Two notebooks containing notes and newspaper cuttings concerning Purdon's production of As You like It, 1949 and Macbeth in 1951.

Papers of the Pye family relating to bell-ringing, including records of performances; notices of peals rung; notebook of the number and weight of bells in towers; composition books; photographs; journals and publications; memoirs and order of service.

Papers of Bernarr Rainbow, [1940-1998], including photographs, personalia, music manuscripts, sound recordings, drafts of published and unpublished works, and a small amount of correspondence.

The collection contains administrative papers relating to Company contracts and internal and external correspondence; financial papers relating to budgets and funding, miscellaneous personal papers of the Company's director, Jonathan Holloway; production records including scripts, technical notes, rehearsal and production notes and directions, stage directions, information on casts, and tour and venue information; audiovisual recordings of productions; promotional, marketing and educational-outreach material; press-cuttings and reviews, photographs of named and un-named actors and productions; publications inspiring Red Shift productions; a study of the Company's production of 'The Love Child'; and an untitled script.

Papers of Reichsverband der Juedischen Kulturbuende in Deutschland, 1936, comprise a concert flyer advertising a performance in Berlin put on by the Reichsverband der Juedischen Kulturbuende in Deutschland.

This collection is divided into two sections. Section one contains material on capital punishment and the death penalty, against which Hewitt campaigned. Section two covers material concerned with obscene publications and other forms of media, including censorship, Obscene Publications Acts and other allied topics. The papers contain many printed examples of C H Rolph's articles and materials by organisation such as the Howard League for Penal Reform and the National League for the Abolition of the Death Penalty. Infamous legal cases such as the obscenity trials in the 1960s relating to 'Oz' magazine and Hubert Selby's novel 'Last Exit to Brooklyn' are discussed.

The Roy Waters Theatre Collection is a privately created collection of theatrical material amassed as a result of forty years of collecting by Roy Waters. The collection primarily comprises of theatrical ephemera, though it also includes the personal papers of Roy Waters, documenting both his career as teacher and later as a school inspector, and his collecting habits and cultural interests.

The nature of the material is diverse, with the printed ephemera including a sizeable collection of programmes from the 19th to the 21st century, collectable items such as cigarette cards, press cuttings collected for their relevance to named individuals and events and photographs reflecting a range of formats including postcards, cartes de visite and cabinet photographs. Toy theatre and juvenile drama are well represented with loose character and scene sheets, tinsel prints and twentieth century stage and script packs forming part of the collection. In addition, the prints series, although primarily consisting of portrait and scene prints of theatrical individuals, also includes a range of topographic and general entertainment prints. Artefacts and commemorative ornaments comprise a series, as do sound recordings relating to the specialisms of the collection in particular productions and well known individuals.

The theatrical ephemera, although initially collected with a broad interest in the theatre in mind, does reflect the specific areas of interest which developed as the collection grew; discreet collections of material relate to specific individuals or events, for instance Noel Coward and Oscar Wilde.

The collection also contains hundreds of individual autograph letters dating from the 18th to the 20th century representing the variety of professions involved in the performing arts, including letters from George Arliss, Sir James Barrie, Phineas Taylor Barnum, Charles Dickens and a sick note for J.S.Grimaldi [Joseph Samuel Grimaldi]. In addition, there are a small number of original art works relating to the theatre.

Records of the Royal Choral Society. The archive is divided into seven sections: administrative records, including a series of individual concert files; financial records; membership records, which include attendance registers and audition files; concert records and programmes; publicity records including posters and newspaper cuttings; files of printed musical scores, arranged by piece, and including programmes for concerts featuring the work; miscellaneous records, which comprise information and programmes relating to other choirs, magazines of the society, or which include articles on the society or choral singing in general, and photographs of choir members, soloists and conductors.

Highlights of the collection include a comprehensive, although not complete, series of concert programmes from 1873-1985, including the programme for the last concert to be held in the Queen's Hall before its destruction during World War II. There are also manuscript copies of "Eryri" by Alun Hoddinott. This piece was composed for the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1969 and the collection has a copy both of the original score, for 16 soloists, chorus and orchestra, and the revised version for baritone solo, chorus and orchestra.

Records of the Bursar of the Royal College of Music, including copy of Order in Council for passing Charter of the RCM with related papers, 1883; licences from Commissioners for the 1851 Exhibition for building at RCM, 1905-1976, including copy of original lease of 1891; accounts of donations, 1882-1896; register of subscribers, 1922-1946; RCM General Regulations and Annual Report, 1883-1884; contracts of Directors of the RCM on appointment, 1918-1984; annexes to Council papers (reports Director from RCM departments), 1888-1994; papers relating to conversion of examination room into Parry Opera Theatre, 1919-1923; papers, plans, photographs and correspondence relating to building extensions, 1962-1963; New Building Appeal (1969) papers, 1968-1970; papers relating to purchase of 6-8 Evelyn Gardens from the Royal Society of Musicians, for conversion into student accommodation (Robert Mayer Hall), 1968-1979; report by Norman and Dawbarn on condition of 1894 RCM building interior, 1972; building consultants' meetings minutes, 1982-1983; papers and reports on Opera Theatre, 1984-1988; papers on completion of Library works, 1984; specification for refurbishment of Concert Hall, 1993; Departmental reports to Council and Patron's and Palmer Fund, 1980-1989; Administrative Staff insurance papers, 1936-1979; RCM pensions trust deeds, 1962-1987; Prince Consort Foundation trust deeds, 1983-1999, and accounts, 1982-1994; George Donaldson Gift of instruments trust deeds, 1894; papers relating to the Museum of Instruments, 1968-1970, 1973-1980; lists of RCM stringed instruments, 1943-1993; Patron's Fund trust deeds, 1903-1912; John Astor Fund trust deeds, 1935; agreements between RCM and Royal Academy of Music in regard to development of the Associated Board, 1896-1920; Department of Education and Science, correspondence and accounts, 1973-1986; graduation ceremony programmes, 1995; miscellaneous papers on investments and pensions, 1962-1975, 1980-1985.

Records of the Director of the Royal College of Music RCM), 1884-1990, including minutes of the Board of Professors, 1894-1993; reports of annual examinations, 1884-1908; Certificate of Proficiency examinations minute book (recording exam regulations and marks awarded), 1886-1899; correspondence to Sir George Grove, Director of the RCM, from the Office of the Prince of Wales, 1884-1888, with material relating to the building of the RCM funded by Samson Fox and opened in 1894; correspondence from Sir Ernest Palmer in regard to aim of the Palmer Fund for Opera Study, 1924; RCM Emergency Concerts Society: correspondence, notices and programmes, 1939; curricula of the Graduate of the Royal Schools of Music (GRSM), 1961-1979.

Pendant and vane lists are included in this category; amongst these is a sheet of distinguishing signals issued by Lord Howe, 1794; a number of sheets of signals which were issued in addition to the printed signals, which include two recognition signals issued by the Admiralty for naval vessels and East Indiamen, 1778 and 1780.

Archives of the Royal Opera House (ROH), comprising:
some business records of the ROH and associated companies including Board minutes and papers of various opera companies using the ROH, 1919-1939; box office returns and payment slips for artists and theatre staff, 1919-1939; individual artist files, containing biographical information, prints and photographs 18thc to present]; production files 1946-present; minutes of the Board of the Royal Opera House Ltd, sub-committees, and management groups, 1946-present; files of the General Administrator/Chief Executive Office, and Assistants to the General Administrator, 1946-present; files of the Chairman of the Board 1946-1997; files of the Company Secretary's office, 1948-1996; files of the Personnel Office -2002 (closed); Contract files 1946-1980s (closed);
Opera Company files 1970s - 1999; Ballet Company files 1947-1996; Birmingham Royal Ballet files 1970s-1991; some early performing company files are found with the General Administrator's files; Finance Department records, 1946-present;

19th century correspondence, including letters of Frederick Gye (1809-1878), opera manager; Giovanni Matteo Mario (1810-1883) Italian tenor; Giulia Grisi (1811-1869), and Michael Costa (1810-1884) conductor;

Press, Publication, Community Relations, Marketing and Box Office departmental files, 1980-2000; House Management files, 1948-1999; Orchestra Office files, 1948-present; Friends of Covent Garden files, 1964-1999;

Ballet for All - education initiative files, 1964-1970s; London Opera Centre records, 1963-1970s; Production Office files, 1946-1980; Fly Department files, 1947-1977; Technical Department files, 1952-present;

audiovisual collection comprising:
audio recordings of oral history interviews relating to the Royal Opera House Development Project, 1997-2000; Verdi Centenary, 2001-2002; recordings of interviews and events at the Royal Opera House, 1964-2003;

photographic collection comprising:
photographs by Donald Southern, including black and white negatives and colour transparencies of performances, events and personnel at the ROH, 1959-1991; photographs by John Graham, including negatives of ballet and opera performances at the ROH, 1940s-1950s; photographs by Felix Fonteyn, including negatives of ballet productions from 1950s; photographs by Richard Holttum, including black and white negatives and colour transparencies of the ROH interior and exterior prior to development 1988-1991; photographs by Rob Moore including contact prints and colour transparencies of the ROH development, 1997-2001; Schal time-lapse photography of the development of the ROH, 1996-1999; Historic Monuments Commission photographic survey of the ROH interior and exterior prior to site development 1990-1996; two albums of photographs compiled by Edwin Sachs of the redevelopment of the ROH stage, 1899-1900, and the workshops; glass plate negatives used to create ballet post cards, 1950s-1960s;

collection of music and choreographic scores comprising:
printed songs, 18th -early 19th century; operas scores (vocal and orchestral) and stage managers scores, 1840s-1939; annotated opera stage managers scores 1946- present; annotated ballet stage managers scores, 1946-present; Staff Director's annotated scores for opera productions, 1946-present; Ninette de Valois' printed and manuscript music for ballet, 1920s -1930s; printed and manuscript ballet music, 1840s-1950s;
choreographic scores for ballets performed by The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet;

design and costume and collections comprising:
Yolanda Sonnabend design collection including notebooks, reference files, and related material, 1973-1995;
Ian Spurling collection of designs, photographs and press cuttings, 1975-1994; Toby Ward collection of drawings of the ROH prior to and during development 1996-1999;
Glynne Boyd Hart collection of watercolours of the ROH development, 1998-1999;
Ruth Hurle collection of drawings of back state, craft workrooms, opera and ballet rehearsals, 1930s-1940s;

costumes and accessories, such as headdresses, jewellery, shoes and wigs, worn by artist appearing at he ROH, 1920s-2003;
Comelli costume design collection including artwork by Attilio Comelli and others for costumes of operas performed at the ROH 1880s-1920s;
Costume design artwork, 1946-present; design artwork for sets and props, 1946-present; models of sets for productions, 1946-present; Model Room files relating to ground plans, and technical drawing or set and prop construction 1946 to present; stage and ground plans, 1939; Production Wardrobe files relating to costume and accessories design 1946-present;

miscellaneous large prints and drawings of performers and performances 19th and 20th century;

collection of advertising posters, 19th century-present;

programme collection including programmes for Gala and Special performances, and decorative programmes 1750s-present;

press cuttings of announcements, reviews, interviews, 18th century, 1847-1939; Harold Rosenthal collection of press puttings, relating mainly to the ROH performances, 1847-1950s; press cuttings of reviews and articles about performers and performances, 1946-present;
miscellaneous albums and scrap books relating to Anna Pavlova, and Nellie Melba, amongst others 1920s;

library collection comprising books, periodicals and specialist publication relating to ballet, dance, opera, music and theatre; libretti, 1840-present; playtexts 1776-[1850]; reports commissioned by the ROH and general arts reports 1946-present; ROH publications and souvenir year books 1956-2002;

special collections comprising:
Royal Ballet Benevolent Fund collection of material relating to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Royal Ballet (RB), including papers, photographs, press cuttings, programmes concerning the RB and its predecessors - Vic Wells and Sadler's Wells Ballet companies 1931- 1950s;

Spellman Song Sheet Covers containing illustrations of operas, and ballets late 19th-early 20th century;

albums of Lady de Grey albums containing photographs of singers, composers, conductors, mostly autographed, dedicated to (Constance) Gladys De Grey, (1859-1917) Marchioness of Ripon, and opera patron, 1870-1920;

collection of Dame Margot Fonteyn De Arias (1918-1991) ballet dancer, including costumes, accessories, photographs, correspondence and books, 1920s-1980s;

collection of Dame Ninette de Valois (1898-2001) founder of The Royal Ballet, including awards, honours and correspondence, 1947-1993;

collection of Leslie Edwards (1916-2001), principal dancer The Royal Ballet, including photographs 1920s-1980s;

collection of Eva Turner (1892-1990) English soprano, relating to her singing career, including costumes, accessories, photographs, press cuttings, music and books 1920s-1940s;

diaries of Frederick Gye (1809-1878), Royal Italian Opera General manager, 1847-1878, his daughter Clara Gye, and son Ernest Gye, ROH Manager, 1847-1877;

collection of Olive Grime, dancer with the Beecham Opera Company, including press cuttings, contracts, correspondence, photographs, books and costumes, 1920s-1930s;

collection of Reginald Goodall (1901-1990) English conductor, including correspondence and personal papers, 1900-1958.

Theatre and opera programmes from Ekaterinburg and St Petersburg, Russia, 1912-1913; Trans-Siberian Railway dining car menu, 1915; International Sleeping Car and Express-Train Company leaflet of Far Eastern services, with map and timetables, 1919.

Annual reports of the Sacred Harmonic Society, 1832-1878.