IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 2925 LHA
Held at: Middlesex University: University Collections
Title: Library of Historic Advertising
Date(s): 1880s-1970s
Level of description: Collection (fonds)
Extent: c 280 boxes and 5 shelves
Name of creator(s): McArthur | Colin | b 1934 | lecturer and writer on visual media
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
The collection was collated by Colin McArthur during the course of business of Half-Brick Images, his commercial picture business. McArthur was born in 1934, and was formerly Head of Distribution at the British Film Institute. Now a freelance teacher and writer, especially on Hollywood cinema, British television and Scottish culture, he is also a lecturer in the Visual and Cultural Media Department of Middlesex University.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Large collection of original printed advertisements taken from a wide range of magazines, focussing primarily on British and American companies, and dating from the late 19th century to the 1970s. Products represented include clothing, cosmetics, food and drink, dental care, health, shaving, home and office, leisure, services (including armed forces and companies), tobacco and transport.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
System of arrangement:
The collection is currently organised by company in broad subject categories. Some of the material is unsorted.
Conditions governing access:
By appointment. Users should contact the archivist Judy Vaknin (0208 411 6686/4399, email: j.vaknin@mdx.ac.uk).
Conditions governing reproduction:
At the discretion of the Learning Resource Manager. The majority of images are still in copyright.
Physical characteristics:
Finding aids:
A box list and index to boxed material are available.
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information:
Accruals:
Archival history:
The collection was previously known as the Half Brick Images collection.
Immediate source of acquisition:
Purchased by Middesex University (jointly by ILRS and the School of Art, Design and Performing Arts) in 1997.
ALLIED MATERIALS
Existence and location of originals:
Existence and location of copies:
Related material:
Publication note:
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Note:
Archivist's note: Compiled by Sarah Aitchison as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.
Date(s) of descriptions: Jan 2002