From a plea in The Stage newspaper in 1963 asking for items of Music Hall interest to be sent to the Society for safe-keeping, the archive has developed into an extensive collection of documents, photographs, memorabilia and garments. These include correspondence, draft sketches and lyrics, business records and photograph albums giving first-hand insight into the life of performers, as well as how Music Hall was impacted by war and the introduction of television. Alongside the documentary records, the archive includes a substantial collection of printed ephemera such as posters, sheet music and programmes, as well as a sound archive and our respected journal, The Call Boy.
Following a period of intensive work on the collection, the archive has recently moved into storage facilities managed by Lambeth Archives. We welcome enquiries and requests for research visits, but please be patient as we are currently only able to offer a limited service while we find our feet in our new home. Until the end of August 2025, access will be for BMHS members only. All enquiries should be sent to archive@britishmusichallsociety.com
Every item in the archive has been donated and there would be no archive today without the generosity of our members and the general public. After reviewing our collection’s strengths, we are particularly looking for material with a direct link to a performer or other member of the music hall world, especially correspondence, diaries, notebooks, contracts and personal photographs. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have something you think we may be interested in archive@britishmusichallsociety.com.
If you are looking to research a particular music hall or variety artiste or music hall song, we have created two research guides which provide a selection of useful tips and websites to help you, as well as a listing of articles and obituaries from The Call Boy.
The images on this page show some treasured items from the collection:
Top: Suit worn by Max Miller, ‘the Cheeky Chappie.’
Middle: A pair of boots worn by Harry Relph, better known as acrobatic ‘big boot’ dancer, Little Tich.
Bottom: The prop moustache of Harry Tate, famous for his Music Hall Sketches, ‘Motoring’ and ‘Fishing.’
Photographs by Andy Hollingworth.
