Our diverse Archive collection includes a quirky mix of ancient tomes, mug shot books, soldiers’ diaries and rare edition prints. If you’re interested in the history of putting pen to paper, you’ll love browsing this collection.
The archive also contains a large book collection, part of which is known as the Hutchinson Book Collection. Thomas Hutchinson was an avid book collector from Morpeth in Northumberland. It is believed that he began collecting sometime in the 1870s, possibly around the same time he started to study to become a teacher. The beloved collection was kindly donated in 1973 by Thomas’ grandchild on behalf of his daughter. It contains over 2,000 works, including pieces of poetry, unpublished works and rare first editions by famous authors and Victorian oddities such as Alistair Crowley.
To list all the archive and ephemera, such as photos and maps, would take up a vast database in itself as the museum has a substantial collection estimated to contain over 60,000 items. The archive collection is currently in the process of being inventoried by collections staff and volunteers.
Robert Ropner used to put his own family crest into each of his books. At Preston Park we are privileged to have at least one volume with such a book plate.
