The archives and manuscripts in Library’s collections are here for you to use and enjoy. This is Your Archive, and our archivists are constantly adding to our online catalogue. As well as the expertise of our staff, who have been exploring a variety of new cataloguing methodologies, we greatly appreciate the help of donors, owners, researchers, volunteers, students and external funding in enabling us to access, understand, arrange, describe and share archives. Here are some of the catalogues that we have completed during 2025; we intend to publish an update in the New Year.
Alfred Janes Papers
Papers of the leading portrait artist and lecturer Alfred Janes (1911-1999), a member of the Swansea ‘Kardomah gang’ in the 1930s that included Vernon Watkins, Charles Fisher, John Prichard, Mervyn Levy, Bert Trick and Dylan Thomas (see next item).
Daniel Jones Papers
Additions to the papers of the composer Daniel Jones (1912-1993), comprising his poetry and musical scores, and in particular material relating to his literary, musical and personal connections and collaborations with Dylan Thomas, a mutual friend of Alfred Janes (see previous item).
Archif Sgriptiau BBC Scripts Archive
A further 1,189 boxes of scripts of BBC radio and television programmes that were broadcast in Wales from the 1930s until 2010, covering news, drama, light entertainment, music, sport, religion, education and children's programmes. The Library now has catalogues of 2,200 boxes of BBC scripts, complementing (sometimes uniquely) the audio and video recordings in the Wales Broadcast Archive.
Dewi-Prys Thomas Trust Archive
Records of the trust established in 1990 to celebrate the life and values of the pioneering Welsh architect, town-planner and academic Dewi-Prys Thomas (1916-1985).
George Ewart Evans Papers
An additional three boxes of papers relating to the life and work of the folklorist, writer and schoolteacher George Ewart Evans (1909-1988), including diaries, notes, correspondence, photographs, material relating to his published works, and more.
John Carnac Papers
Correspondence and associated documents of Brigadier-General John Carnac (1716-1800), commander of the East India Company’s forces in Bengal and a close associate of Robert Clive (‘Clive of India’), providing an insight into Indian politics, military matters, trade, and diplomacy with European powers, as well as Carnac’s personal life.
John Pikoulis (Alun Lewis) Research Papers
Papers of the author and academic Dr John Pikoulis, almost all of which relate to his research into the work and personal life of the Anglo-Welsh poet Alun Lewis (1915-1944), especially the period when Lewis was in India during the Second World War.
Maesmawr Hall Estate Records and Family Papers
Deeds and documents relating to the Davies family of Maesmawr Hall, Llandinam, Montgomeryshire, and their household and estate over a period of 400 years until 1997.
National Dance Company Wales (Diversions) Archive
Records of National Dance Company Wales, formerly known as ‘Diversions’ and 'Jumpers’, from its foundation in 1983 until the departure of its co-founders, Ann Sholem and Roy Campbell-Moore, in 2013.
Papurau Rhys Mwyn
Papers relating to the professional life of the musician, archaeologist, author and lecturer Rhys Mwyn.
Powis Castle Estate Records – list of uncatalogued documents
A list of all of the Powis Castle Estate Records that were not previously covered by the Library’s catalogues, comprising 253 boxes, 1,036 volumes and 9 rolls - approximately one third of the archive.
Papurau T. H. Parry-Williams ac Amy Parry-Williams
An additional box of papers of the poet, writer and academic T. H. Parry-Williams (1887-1975), including correspondence and poetry as well as material relating to his conscientious objection during the First World War, his second National Eisteddfod Crown, and his travels and studies in France, Germany and South America.
Sianed Elin Jones Papers
Papers relating to the life and work of the musician, singer and composer Sianed Elin Jones (1959-2022).
Vera Bassett Papers
Papers of the artist and draughtswoman Vera Bassett (1912-1997) from Pontarddulais, mostly relating to her work.
Welsh Quoits Archive
A printed history, correspondence and ephemera relating to the game of quoits in Wales since 1914, including programmes, publicity material, statistics, rules, press cuttings and newsletters. Much of the archive concerns matches played by Wales against Scotland on Welsh soil.
William Galloway Mining Reports
Technical and financial reports on the mining of coal and other minerals - in Wales and many other countries - compiled by the mining engineer, university professor and industrialist Sir William Galloway (1840-1927), who is best known for his contribution to the prevention of explosions and other accidents in coal mines.
Currently in progress:
Dannie Abse Papers
•A large and significant addition to the poet’s archive.
Ecodyfi Archive
•Records of the environmental trust, based at Machynlleth.
Papurau Meredydd Evans a Phyllis Kinney
•Papers of two of the most significant figures in Welsh traditional music, also including their activities in academia and Welsh language campaigning.
Workers’ Educational Association (North Wales) Records
•A substantial archive showing how education has been brought to the disadvantaged since 1925.
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