Architecture
The University of York Library and the Borthwick Institute for Archives maintain extensive records detailing the architectural and civic history of the region. These sources highlight the work of influential figures like Walter Brierley, an architect known for his prolific designs across Northern England, and his successors such as George Pace and Ron Sims. Beyond architecture, the collections encompass diverse historical themes, including the legacy of the Rowntree and Terry families, ecclesiastical records, and the development of the Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies.
Researching Architecture
The collections directly support the research at the York School of Architecture. Our records on historic sites and culture provide vital sources for the Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Global Heritage (CAUGH), which researches how cities have changed from ancient times to the present day.
Students and researchers use these collections to explore urban renewal and development, conservation and restauration, sustainable architecture, housing policy and the social side of architecture. By learning from the past, the School works to design better, more sustainable cities for the public good in the future.
Notable Collections
Garden History Society collection
A collection of material on the history of landscaping, garden design, horticulture and conservation.
Barbara Hutton collection
This collection focuses on British vernacular architecture.
Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies collection
IAAS was a postgraduate institute established by York Academic Trust in 1953. In 1963, the Institute was incorporated into the University of York and in 1966, the Institute moved to King's Manor. The collection was the Institute’s Library which was incorporated into the University Library.
Feilden collection
A collection of almost 200 books, pamphlets and papers from renowned architectural conservator Sir Bernard Feilden. This material is of immense value to students working in the area of architectural conservation.
Vernacular Architecture Group
It was formed in 1952 to further the study of traditional buildings. The archive contains committee and annual general meeting minutes, account books and reports.
George Pace and Ron Sims
George Gaze Pace started the practice in York in the 1940s where he specialised in ecclesiastical architecture. During his career Pace worked on approximately 700 churches, combining modernist and traditional style. Ronald Sims qualified as an architect in 1952 and joined the practice. Pace and Sims worked together until Pace’s unexpected death in 1975, when Sims inherited the business.
Atkinson Brierley architectural practice
The origins of the firm lie in the partnership of John Carr and Peter Atkinson in York in the late eighteenth century. Walter Henry Brierley joined the practice in 1885. Between 1885 and 1926 it was responsible for over 300 buildings, including churches, houses and civic buildings in York and across the North of England.
How to access the collections
All the collections can be accessed via the Library's online catalogue. A valid University of York username and password is required to access content online.
Items held in the library can be consulted on site. Most of these titles can be borrowed using a suitable library card, some titles might be reference only and can only be read on site.
Items held in the Borthwick can be consulted in the Borthwick Reading Room and copies can be made subject to copyright and condition. These materials cannot be loaned outside the University of York without the permission of the owners. Books in the Rare Books Collection and may also be consulted at the Borthwick Institute for Archives.