UoG Alumni from 1980 onwards? Opportunity to donate photographs

University of Gloucestershire is calling for alumni from 1980 onwards to share photographs from their time at the University to become part of a digital scrapbook.

While the Special Collections and Archives Office holds multiple historical collections containing fascinating old photographs, coverage becomes thin from the 1980s onwards due to the onset of digital photography.

Building on its already extensive collection, the Special Collections and Archives Office is calling on alumni to donate photographs from their student days, helping to preserve memories for future generations.

The appeal coincides with the recent relocation of the Archives Office to Francis Close Hall campus. The department is opening its doors for individuals and community organisations, including schools and historical groups, to delve into the past and enjoy a range of fascinating drawings, photographs, videos and written documents.

Among the vast array of historical collections is the ‘University Archive’, which documents the history of the institution (originally founded as the Cheltenham Training College) and the students who have studied at the University, going back to the early 19^th century. 

The archive comprises various historical materials including manuscripts, maps and plans, photographs, clothing and artefacts which give visitors a snapshot of into the daily life of staff and students throughout different eras in history.

Anne Pengelly, Assistant Librarian for the Special Collections and Archives Office said: “We hold the historic records of University of Gloucestershire, predecessor colleges and several special collections relating to Gloucestershire and beyond.

“We have a wonderfully diverse collection of documents, photographs and artefacts dating all the way back to the 1820s that supports the research activities of ourstudents, staff and members of the public.”

Nationally, the collection includes photographic stills from the Independent Television News image archive (1960s to 1990s) documenting national and international news, including politics, crime, sport, notable people and even the abominable snowman.

Locally, highlights include the ‘Gloucestershire Poets, Writers and Artists Collection’, which encompasses a variety of literary and artistic works relating to Gloucestershire. Notable figures who are documented in these materials include the renowned Dymock poets, U A Fanthorpe and James Elroy Flecker.

Anne commented: “Members of the local community, including schools and historical groups, can browse a range historical items held by the Archives Office on the online catalogue before visiting to identify which pieces are of interest.”

To make an appointment to visit the University’s Archives and Special Collections Office, and to donate photographs (pre- and post-1980s), email [email protected] or telephone 01242 714851.