Collections we are developing

Our main interest covers the Southampton area and stems from the 18th century to the present day. Owing to Southampton's maritime heritage the collection has a strong affiliation with the great ocean liners. While the collections aren't currently available for general public viewing, we are able to provide access by appointment.

How people lived
We are interested in how people lived, how they worked and how they entertained themselves, as well as how they got about.

Costume collections
One of the main strengths of the collections is costume, which includes accessories such as bags, fans, parasols and shoes, etc. Since Southampton is a major port, this extends to occupational costume, i.e. uniform, as well. In fact most areas of the collections could be thought of as having some relationship with ships and the sea.

Photographs and paintings collections
Our photographs, paintings, drawings and prints cover the shipping and dock scene as well as containing topographical views and portraits of famous Sotonians. We administer the Associated British Ports photographic collection.

Engineering drawings collections
Engineering Drawings, Posters and Plans are almost exclusively related to shipping. The Engineering drawings cover mainly the products of the British Power Boat Company and to a lesser extent, Thornycroft.

Southampton association with naval architecture and merchant shipping
Also we have hundreds of ship models that illustrate the types of craft associated with Southampton and trace developments in naval architecture, including the many great ocean liners. A limited number of these models are available for lease to local businesses and organisations.

For Local Collections enquiries contact:
Curator of Maritime and Local Collections on 023 8023 7584
maritime.local.collections@southampton.gov.uk