The Museum has an extensive library of rare books and archives stored in environmentally controlled rooms. Research can be carried out in a warm comfortable room.
A large collection of original documents from local companies over the centuries is stored here along with unique examples of artifacts from the commercial life of the city. Requests for viewing of the archives and library are welcomed and appointments should be made by phone 01225 318348, email research@bath-at-work.org.uk or use our form.
The results of detailed work can be viewed on the following subjects:
- Engineering. (Stothert & Pitt, Horstmann, etc)
- Mining and Brickmaking (Victoria Brick & Tile, Twerton Colliery, etc)
- Civil Engineering & Construction Industry( Bath & Portland Stone, etc)
- Food & Drink (Oliver Biscuits, mineral water, butchers, etc)
- Transport (railway, canal, river, road, flight, etc)
- Printing and Papermaking (Pitman Press, Bathford papermill)
- Textiles( Isaac Carr, Charles Wilkins, wool & silk)
- Electricity, Gas & Water
- Retailing
- Furniture making (Bath Cabinet Makers, Keevil & Son, etc)
- Pollution & the Environment
- Motor car making (Horstmann Cars, Fullers Ltd, etc)
The Museum holds collections of archives from the following companies
- J B Bowler & Sons (1856-1967) Business literature, publications, etc
- Bathford Papermill (1910-1970) Business literature, invoices, etc
- Fullers Earth Union/ Laporte Industries (1916-1980) Business literature, invoices, etc
- Bath Gas Works / British Gas South West (1818-1990) Business literature, photos, etc
- Horstmann Gear Company (1904-1999) Business literature, photos, publicity
- Horstmann Car Company / Horstmann Limited (1900-1970) Business literature
- Stothert & Pitt Co Ltd (1785-1989) Business records, photographs, literature
- Griffin Engineering / Samuel Griffin (1870-1929) Business literature, patents, etc