Special Collections and Archives homepage

An image of the text Holinshed's Chronicles, published 1587. From our pre-1700 collection.

Special Collections and Archives

Special Collections and Archives manages the University’s unique and distinctive collections so that they are preserved and accessible for the benefit of teaching, scholarship and society. Informed by the Institutional and Information Services Strategic Plans, Special Collections & Archives provides strategic direction to maximise the use, value and legacy of these collections. Special Collections and Archives are an Accredited Archive Service.

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Key links and information

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    Reading Room hours

    Our reading room is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-4pm by appointment only.

    If you'd like to view any of our collections please get in touch with us to make an appointment.  

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    Contact us

    Special Collections and Archives
    Templeman Library
    University of Kent
    Canterbury, CT2 7NU

    specialcollections@kent.ac.uk
    cartoons@kent.ac.uk


    SC&A office number: +44 (0)1227 827138
    IT and Library Support: +44 (0)1227 824999

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    Accessibility

    Our staff can give you advice about any of our services, so please ask. We want you to have full and equal access to everything you need.  

    Accessibility guide

Highlighted links

Collections showcase

Some highlights from our fantastic collections.

Collections A-Z
DL2428: "A fine team - but could do with a dash of unity....", David Low, 1945 (cartoon)

British Cartoon Archive

The British Cartoon Archive is dedicated to the history of British cartooning over the last two hundred years.

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BSUCA/JL/1/4/10: Poster for Edinburgh Fringe shows, Josie Long, 2006.

British Stand-Up Comedy Archive

The British Stand-Up Comedy Archive celebrates, preserves, and provides access to the archives and records of British stand-up comedy and comedians.

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Maddsion Collection

An extensive collection of over 2,000 works on the history of science and technology, published between 15th to 20th century and deposited by Dr. R.E.W. Maddison (1901-1993).

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KC_0006 - an image of the Keynes building from the University of Kent image library

UK Philanthropy Archive

The UK Philanthropy Archive was established at the University of Kent in 2019 to collect, preserve and provide access to archives relating to philanthropy in the UK.

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A photograph of Max Tyler's stage suit and boater hat (uncatalogued)

Max Tyler Music Hall Collection

The personal music hall collection of Max Tyler (1933-2018), archivist and historian of the British Music Hall Society. Contains books, ephemera, research notes, and audio-visual recordings relating to the British Music Hall tradition.

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PSC6: The book of common prayer, Sophie Adams, 2016 from the Artists Books Collection

Prescriptions: Artists Books

A collection of artists' books made by a number of artists originally for the exhibition 'Prescriptions' at the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury between April and September 2016.

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GAPH00450: Black and white photo of close up of Giles at his easel; finished artwork on easel, 1946.

Carl Giles Trust Collection

Artwork, files and related documents from the studio of cartoonist Carl Giles (1916-1995).

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Our partners

 We work in partnership with both Canterbury and Rochester Cathedral to develop access to our collections, and encourage community engagement across these sites. 

We have a formal partnership agreement with Canterbury Cathedral Archives and Library Service.