Gavin Stamp Archive Now Fully Catalogued

Gavin Stamp’s career defied traditional boundaries, blending academia with activism. His life’s work, which is documented in the archive and now fully catalogued with its descriptions searchable online, exemplifies this. The collection demonstrates how he connected scholarly research, campaigning, public action and popular appeal to reshape architectural history.

The archive comprises material created and compiled by Stamp, from his time as an undergraduate to the end of his life. It provides a fascinating and in-depth view into his multifaceted career and broad range of interests, featuring correspondence; images; research notes; newspaper and journal cuttings; lecture texts; draft publications; reports; graphic design work; tour itineraries; and broadcast scripts.

Gavin Mark Stamp (1948-2017) was a British architectural historian, writer, and campaigner. He described himself as ‘an odd-job man in the vicious cut-throat world of architectural history,’ and indeed, his career spanned an impressive array of disciplines. Stamp shared his scholarly expertise and personal opinions through numerous platforms including: publications; journalism; teaching; campaigns; graphic design; broadcasts; and exhibitions. His research interests were equally broad, encompassing topics such as: the Scott family architectural dynasty; inter-war period architecture; telephone boxes; war memorials; power stations; Victorian churches; the work of Ernő Goldfinger; ecclesiastical design; and colonial architecture.

Stamp’s contributions to the field of architectural history were not confined to academia; he was a tireless advocate for the preservation of architectural heritage and leveraged his public platform to defend endangered buildings, champion under-appreciated architects and elevate the profile of architectural history within the public consciousness.

At the core of the archive are Stamp’s research files, which focus on individual architects, buildings and a range of other subjects. These files, compiled over the course of his career, serve as valuable reference sources and reflect his wide-ranging professional activities and interests. The archive also includes: files concerning his role and involvement with amenity societies (primarily the Twentieth Century and Victorian Societies); correspondence with a wide range of scholars, private individuals and professional colleagues; lecture texts; journalistic work; and further documentation of various initiatives and projects with which he was involved.

The collection is not only vital to an understanding of Stamp’s career but also serves as a rich source for studying architectural movements, specific buildings, churches, architects and the networks within the field of architectural history, including amenity societies. Furthermore, the archive offers an invaluable insight into Stamp’s research legacy and his broader influence in the field, making it a valuable collection for those interested in the evolution of architectural movements and the intersection of academic scholarship with public advocacy.

Ultimately, the Gavin Stamp Archive serves not only as a crucial resource for studying his life and work but also as a rich collection for those interested in the history of architecture, the preservation of built heritage and the ways in which public engagement can shape academic discourse.

The catalogue descriptions for the entire collection can be searched using the online catalogue, and an online feature highlights information, individuals, and key themes featured in the collection. If you would like to consult this archive, please make an appointment, or send an enquiry.

We are grateful to his wife Rosemary Hill, who kindly donated the archive to the Centre in 2018.