FAQs

Please see our about section which explains our aims and objectives.

We are indeed a charity, receiving UK charity status in April 2020. Our charity number is 1189116. Full details can be found on the Charity Commission website.

Yes, the archive is open to visitors by appointment. Please contact us via the contact us page.

We occasionally end up with duplicate adverts which we sell on to raise funds for the archive. At present we do this on eBay but are working towards setting up our own online shop on the website. Visitors to the archive are able to peruse and buy adverts while they are here.

If you drop us an email with your requirements we can keep a lookout for items for you and let you know when we find anything. When we find an item we think may interest you we will email you with details (no obligation to buy).

Yes, we often supply adverts for use on websites, in books or magazine articles. Depending on use this can be a free service but please contact us via email for more information.

Yes, we offer professional research services for those unable to visit the archive in person. Our knowledgeable staff can conduct in-depth research on your behalf, drawing from our extensive collections. Research fees apply, and rates vary depending on the scope of the project. Please contact us via email for a personalised quote.

Our collections are available for research and viewing by appointment only. To schedule a visit, please contact us via email at richardrobertsarchive@gmail.com or through our online booking system. We kindly ask that you provide at least 72 hours' notice to allow our staff to retrieve the materials you wish to consult during your visit.

Just go to the Volunteer section and fill in the form. Once received we will get in touch with you. There are a huge number of activities involved in running the archive and here is a list of just some of the jobs our volunteers do:

• Sorting and preparing magazines for cataloguing.

• Entering items into the collection database.

• Scanning adverts and entering them into the adverts database.

• Scanning photographs and entering them into the transport photograph database.

• Working on the historic vehicle team to prepare and run our small collection of vehicles. 

• Helping build new shelving to house the ever-growing collection.

• Helping maintain the building and collection.

• Working on the fundraising team.

It isn't all work, though, and our volunteers meet up socially at the archive as well.

We greatly appreciate donations that contribute to preserving the history of print advertising. If you have vintage advertisements or marketing materials that you would like to donate, please contact us with details about the items. Our acquisitions team will review the materials and provide guidance on the donation process.

As a non-profit organisation, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to continue our mission. There are several ways you can contribute financially:

• Make a one-time or recurring donation through our secure online platform.

• Become a member and enjoy exclusive benefits while supporting our ongoing efforts.

• Explore sponsorship opportunities for exhibitions, events, or specific projects.

• Consider leaving a legacy gift through planned giving or including the archive in your will.

For more information on supporting the archive, please visit our "Support Us" page or contact our team.

Absolutely! We are committed to promoting the appreciation and understanding of vintage advertising through educational initiatives. We offer guided tours, workshops, and specialised programmes for students, educators, and community groups. These activities can be tailored to various age groups and interests. Please contact us to inquire about scheduling a programme or tour for your group.

We encourage you to sign up for our newsletter to receive regular updates on upcoming events, exhibitions, acquisitions, and other happenings at the archive. You can also follow us on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, where we share news, highlights from our collections, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our work.