Visiting the Archive of Garden Design

In order to view archival material at the Archive of Garden Design, we require you to make an appointment. This is so that material can be prepared and made available in time for your visit, and so that staff are available to supervise the study room. Appointments are available during the week, depending on the availability of staff, so please book as early as possible to increase the chances of an available date that suits you.

To make an appointment, please email us on archives@gardenmuseum.org.uk with an idea of your availability and what you are interested in viewing at your appointment. Searching our catalogue is the best place to start, noting down the reference numbers of items you are interested in. Alternatively, you can email us to discuss our holdings.

You will need to fill in a reader registration form and return it to us either in advance or on the day of your appointment. The form also includes the rules of the study room, which must be followed to protect our unique and often fragile material. Please ensure you read this prior to your visit, so that you can come prepared. If you are likely to want to take photographs, please discuss this with us before you visit.

The temperature in the study room is kept relatively low for the sake of the archive materials, so visitors often bring a warm jumper or fleece, especially if they are planning an extensive appointment.