Leeds University Library's Gypsy, Traveller and Roma Collections
Leeds University Libraries' Gypsy, Traveller and Roma Collections are one of the five Designated collections held by the Brotherton Library at the University of Leeds. The collections contain an extensive range of international books, manuscripts and archives relating to Gypsy, Traveller and Roma culture. The majority of the materials do not originate from within these communities, instead they encapsulate external representations.
The origins of the Collections can be traced back to 1950 when the poet and dramatist, Dorothy Una Ratcliffe, donated her archive material and printed books and pamphlets to Leeds University Library. The Collections have since been augmented by additional donations and purchases.
As of 2020 the printed materials surpassed over 3,500 published works. Archive material includes letters, research papers, press-cuttings, artwork, photographs and case files. The collections date from 16th century to the modern day. The Gypsy, Traveller and Roma Collections are located in Special Collections in the Brotherton Library, University of Leeds.
| UoL Library: Gypsy, Traveller and Roma Collections | |
|---|---|
| Location | The Brotherton Library, Leeds, United Kingdom |
| Type | Archives, printed books, printed items, press cuttings, photographs, artworks |
| Established | 1950 |
| Branch of | Special Collections, University of Leeds Library |
| Collection | |
| Items collected | Printed books, manuscripts from approximately 16th – 21st century |
| Size | Over 3,500 print items, multiple manuscript collections |
| Criteria for collection | Social history, community history, political history, languages, culture, art |
| Access and use | |
| Access requirements | Visit Special Collections, Brotherton Library - request items in advance |
| Other information | |
| Website | Special Collections: Gypsy, Traveller and Roma Collections |