London,
20
August
2020
|
09:47
Europe/London

Doors reopen at City of London Corporation’s Archives

Researchers, historians and genealogists will be among those welcomed back to London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) from Monday 7 September, following its closure due to the COVID-19 lockdown in March.

The City of London Corporation-owned archives will provide on-site reader facilities to those wishing to consult original historic documents across a wide range of areas, such as London’s architecture, education, communities, transport, and legal system.

As part of its commitment to reopening responsibly and in line with Government and Public Health England guidelines, LMA has undergone a rigorous risk assessment, an audit of its processes, and introduced a raft of new safety measures.

They include shorter opening hours (10.30am – 3.30pm); safety screens at enquiry desks; face masks/coverings for visitors; enhanced on-site cleaning throughout the day; and at least 72 hours’ quarantine of all consulted archives before their return to the strong rooms.

Advance booking (i.e. at least, seven days ahead) via email at ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk is essential for everyone wishing to visit LMA and use its services.

LMA is maintaining its strong online presence and also encourages those interested in the history of London to view its collections and access its extensive resources via the website - www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Over 250,000 historic images can be viewed at London’s Picture Archive and hundreds of films about the City of London’s history are featured on LMA’s YouTube channel – see https://collage.cityoflondon.gov.uk and https://www.youtube.com/user/LdnMetArchives/playlists

Wendy Hyde, Chair, City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, said:

“The extensive collections at London Metropolitan Archives are invaluable to those researching the city’s history, as well as their own personal histories, so the news of its reopening will be welcomed by everyone who relies upon them.

“The COVID-19 measures in place have become part of our ‘new normal’ during these challenging times but, after more than five months of closure, they will ensure that the archives’ services can reopen safely.”

Geoff Pick, Director, City of London Corporation’s London Metropolitan Archives, said:

“My colleagues and I are looking forward to next month when we join other City institutions in welcoming back visitors through their doors.

“The limits that we are putting on some of our services and visitor numbers underline our determination to reopen safely, but we remain very positive about reopening the building which is, arguably, an essential resource in its field.”

The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages London Metropolitan Archives in Clerkenwell, is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £100m every year.

In partnership with the Barbican, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London Symphony Orchestra, and Museum of London, the City Corporation is leading the development of Culture Mile between Farringdon and Moorgate, a multi-million-pound initiative to create a new cultural and creative destination for London. As part of this, the City Corporation is providing a £197m investment in the new Museum of London, which will open in West Smithfield in 2024, and £6.8m to support the development of the proposed Centre for Music.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

Media enquiries:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts & Culture), City of London Corporation

M: +44 (0) 7795 333060

E: andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk 

About the London Metropolitan Archives:

London Metropolitan Archives is a public research centre which specialises in the history of London. LMA cares for, and provides access to, the historical archives of businesses, schools, hospitals charities, and many other organisations in, and around, London. With over 100km of books, maps, photographs, films and documents dating back to 1067 in our strong rooms, it is proud to provide access to one of the finest city archives in the world. Its users have a wide range of research interests, including family, community and local history, and LMA also works with students, artists, producers, and architects. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, London EC1R 0HB

Admission FREE. Nearest underground stations are Farringdon and Angel.