The University of Brighton Design Archives is an internationally significant research base with a curatorial team that initiates and promotes collaborative activity through a programme of projects. Founded on a scholarly resource focusing on British design and global design organisations in the twentieth century, we have been contributing substantially to the research profile of the University for over 20 years. The Design Archives welcome scholars and students from many academic disciplines researching the designed environment, the design profession and design practice.
Since the 1990s we have undertaken a range of innovative projects with a variety of partners including AHRC-funded collaborative doctorates and JISC-funded digitisation projects. In 2010, and again in 2017, the Design Archives were awarded core funding from the HEFCE Museums, Galleries and Collections fund.
In response to the developing situation with COVID-19, and to support the safety of our staff and researchers, the University of Brighton Design Archives is now closed to visitors and we are not making any new research appointments. We are continuing to provide an email enquiry service at designarchives@brighton.ac.uk, although this service may be limited by restricted access to the collections. We thank you for your understanding and wish continuing good health to all our community.
Discover activities and events that showcase material from the Design Archives or the expertise of its staff and researchers.
Research underpins the stewardship and interpretation activity that the Design Archives initiates and contributes to.
Learn about the 22 archives in our care and search the tens of thousands of records and images in our online database.
The Design Archives are home to a number of doctoral projects and supports the research journeys of many others.
A behind the scenes account of conservation work at the Design Archives by Sirpa Kutilainen.
Academics, technical staff and administrators work together to build the distinct research community that characterises the Design Archives.
Access our web-based projects that preserve and present significant design historical sources.
Several hundred researchers visit the Design Archives each year from all over the world. To make an appointment please call, email or write to us.
