Image credit (above): Buckinghamshire Archives
Data from the Accessions to Repositories survey has digital presence going back to 1994, though the survey itself is much older. It provides an overview of the type of material archives across the UK are collecting year on year, and valuable insight into changes in collecting practices.
The 2022 accessions survey saw a 25% increase in the number of collections reported compared to 2021. Notably, this surge in collections is not on account of a higher number of participating archives – only a few more archives responded to the survey compared to the previous year – but reflects a potential return to pre-pandemic collecting levels. 241 archives reported more than 14500 collections in total, with 25 collections of manorial documents accessioned by 15 different archives, and 57 archives acquired 163 collections through sales.
The diversity of materials accessioned demonstrates the multifaceted nature of the archival landscape. There are collections ranging from born-digital records to centuries-old manuscripts, from lantern slides to sheet music, and much more. These collections encompass a wide array of themes, including a focus on contemporary materials, such as those that shed light on the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, a notable number of collections were dedicated to commemorating the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II following her passing in September 2022.
Some less contemporary highlights include the accession of a 9th century fragment of Gregory the Great’s Homiliae in Evangelia by Trinity College Dublin, and the British Library’s acquisition of the household rolls of Mary, Queen of Scots, as well as a letter from Mary to Jacques Bochetel de la Forest, French ambassador to Queen Elizabeth I. While Jersey Archive obtained a warrant of Charles II for the payment of his falconry while in Jersey, signed by Richard Eedes.
This year’s survey reaffirms the dynamic and resilient nature of the archival sector, continuing to work towards ensuring the preservation and accessibility of our shared heritage.