Collections
Archive
Our archive collections contain unique material providing evidence and information on how the new town of Milton Keynes was designed and built. Subjects focus on the design, building, and development and cover urban planning, architecture, landscape design, and land use. The types of material in the archive collections include drawings, maps, plans, documents, photographs and artwork.
Reference Library
The reference library collection contains published material such as books, pamphlets, leaflets, reports, journals, maps, magazines and information sheets relating to the development and history of Milton Keynes Borough. Subjects range from economics, social welfare and the environment, to planning, retail, the arts and leisure activities. There are also publications on town planning, urban studies, and other UK and international new towns.
Kitchener Collection
We look after over 1,500 glass plate negatives of local photographer Maurice Kitchener. His street views of local towns and villages provide a fascinating insight into life in the early 20th century. We have digitised and made available all of these glass plate negatives.
Image Archive
We look after thousands of 35mm slides and photographic prints, originally on behalf of English Partnerships (successor body to the Milton Keynes Development Corporation). They chart the development of the new town from farming fields and historic buildings of the late 1960s to the theatre and gallery development approaching the new millennium. We are making these available online.
