Archives project

Bath Preservation Trust Archives document the activities of the Trust since it was formed in 1934, especially its extensive campaigning work. As well as giving information on individual buildings and streets, the Archives provide a valuable insight into proposals for the re-development of Bath and changing attitudes to conservation since the Trust’s establishment.

Protection and conservation of the archive collection

During the moving and repacking of the archives, the Trust undertook a full conditions survey of its whole collection, assessing the appropriate conservation requirements. It was concluded that a dedicated storage and research room within No.1 Royal Crescent would provide the best solution. This would bring the Archives together for the first time and enable much greater access to both paper and online records. We are employing an archivist over a 2 year period to assess conservation requirements, provide specialist training for volunteers, re-package and catalogue the collection to archival standards and make the catalogue available online.

Comprising of typescript and manuscript material, the Archives also contain architectural drawings, including detailed large-scale prints, a substantial photographic collection, and surveys of interior architectural features of many houses. They are of international interest and contain remarkably detailed information of great interest to students of architecture and town planning, to researchers interested in the history of buildings in Bath, as well as to the wider public.

Bath Preservation Trust has reunited No.1 Royal Crescent with its original service wing, No.1a, to create an extended historic house museum telling The Whole Story of life in late 18th Century Georgian Bath. This unique project has transformed the buildings and the museum for the benefit of all, while working to standards of best practice in conservation and the management of collections and archives.