The National Archives and RIBA to partner

The National Archives and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have recently announced an exciting partnership that will ensure the accessibility and preservation of its world-class Drawings and Archives Collections. This partnership comes at a crucial time, as the V&A+RIBA Architecture Partnership is set to conclude in 2027 and a new permanent home for RIBA Collections is still in the works.

The National Archives, located in Kew, London, is home to over 11 million historical documents, including government records, maps, photographs, and architectural drawings. These collections are vital in understanding the history and development of the United Kingdom and its built environment. Similarly, RIBA’s vast collection of architectural drawings, books, and photographs provides a comprehensive record of British architecture and its global influence.

The partnership between these two prestigious institutions is a testament to their shared commitment to preserving and promoting the rich architectural heritage of the UK. It will also ensure that these collections remain accessible to the public, researchers, and architects during the interim period between the conclusion of the V&A+RIBA Architecture Partnership and the creation of a new permanent home for RIBA Collections.

The National Archives and RIBA have a long-standing relationship, with RIBA’s collections being housed at the National Archives since 1972. This partnership has allowed for the digitization of over 1.5 million architectural drawings, making them easily accessible to the public online. With this new partnership, the National Archives will continue to provide a temporary home for RIBA’s collections, ensuring their preservation and accessibility for years to come.

The partnership will also see the two institutions working together to develop new initiatives and projects that will promote the collections and engage the public. This includes exhibitions, educational programs, and events that will showcase the rich history and significance of British architecture. It is an exciting opportunity for both institutions to collaborate and share their expertise, ultimately benefiting the wider community.

The National Archives and RIBA are also committed to making the collections more accessible to a global audience. With the rise of digital technology, the partnership will explore new ways to make the collections available online, reaching a wider audience and promoting the UK’s architectural heritage on an international scale.

The announcement of this partnership has been met with great enthusiasm and support from the architectural community. RIBA President, Alan Jones, stated, “This partnership is a significant step in ensuring the preservation and accessibility of our collections during this interim period. It also presents an opportunity for us to showcase the importance of British architecture and its global influence.”

Similarly, Jeff James, Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives, expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with RIBA and ensure the preservation and accessibility of their collections. This collaboration will not only benefit researchers and architects but also the wider public who have a keen interest in our built environment.”

In conclusion, the partnership between The National Archives and RIBA is a significant development in the preservation and accessibility of the UK’s architectural heritage. It is a testament to the commitment of both institutions to promote and share the rich history and influence of British architecture. With this partnership, we can look forward to new initiatives and projects that will engage and inspire the public, ensuring the legacy of these collections for generations to come.