LCF Archives and library

LCF Fashion Archives

About the Archives

LCF Archives are a teaching collection and research resource that we utilise to inspire and engage students, staff and the public. They hold a set of eclectic and eccentric collections that explore the history of London as a fashion capital. We collect material that reflects the full fashion cycle – from concept and design, and process and production, through to finished pieces and press and promotional materials. We also frame fashion as a social subject by looking at the personal stories our clothes can tell about us.

Our services and how to engage with the Archives

LCF Archives are based at London College of Fashion, East Bank, delivering services, workshops and resources that you can access independently or as a part of your course and studies. Visit our LCF Archives LibGuide for more information on what the Archives are and how to engage with them.

Visit our collections page to find out more about the types of collections we hold. You can also visit the VADS website, an online resource that hosts different digitised art and design collections from the UK, and on which some of our collections have been digitised and listed.

If you are an LCF or a UAL student or staff member, you can also request access to our LCF Archives Moodle site, where we share updates, recommendations and event listings for our online workshop programmes. Our staff and student SharePoint sites host videos, worksheets and other resources inspired by, and that give access and insight into, our objects.

How to get in touch with the LCF Archives team

You can get in touch with the LCF Archives team by emailing archives@fashion.arts.ac.uk. You can also contact us via our LiveChat on Wednesdays at 3-5pm during term time.

Meet the archivist

Whatever subject you study or discipline you hope to go into, the thing that each one has in common is the central thread of a fashion product (whether you want to go on to design it, study it or sell it). The archives are a treasure trove of these products – these objects – in all their forms, whether it’s a trade journal, a sample book or a beaded Dior gown.

Susanna Cordner – LCF Archives Manager

LCF library

Our extensive resources include 85,000 books on all aspects of the fashion industry from garment construction to cosmetic science, DVDs and videos and over 390 print periodicals and 20,000 e-journals. Electronic information resources can be accessed via the e-library

Visitors

Visitor bookings should be requested at least 1 day before you want to visit. You must have received a booking confirmation before you visit. Please note there is no wait list. Make a booking.

Alumni

The library is open to graduates of University of the Arts London who are members of the Alumni Association. Read more UAL Alumni Association benefits.

Special collections

Rare Publications Collection
The collection contains rare books and periodicals reflecting the subject interests of the College. It includes:

The Tailor and Cutter Academy Archive
Tailors and Outfitters Assistants’ General Friendly Association
Access is by appointment only.

Materials Collection

A reference collection of both cutting edge and standard textile samples.