University of Surrey Archives and Special Collections have four distinct collecting strands:

• The institutional archives of the University of Surrey and its predecessor Battersea Polytechnic
• The archives of the National Resource Centre for Dance consisting of collections relating to movement theorists, choreographers, dancers, teachers and companies
• Collections related to the illustrator E. H. Shephard containing some of his original drawings for Winnie-the-Pooh and The Wind in the Willows as well as other works relating to his extensive career
• A number of special collections including rare books and subject-specific collections which support areas of teaching and research within the University

Whilst the different collections we hold might seem dissimilar, we are always excited to find surprising connections between our collections. The latest one came this summer when we were cataloguing the movement director’s Geraldine Stephenson’s archive. Included in Stephenson’s papers, which encompass both personal and professional records, is a souvenir programme for The Strand Theatre’s adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s ‘Toad of Toad Hall’, choreographed by Stephenson. This item beautifully complements the coloured drawings we hold by E.H. Shepard of his illustrations for The Wind in the Willows and shows how Grahame’s story has been re-imagined for the stage.

Anyone is welcome to take a look at our collections to see what connections they can uncover! Email archives@surrey.ac.uk for more information or to book an appointment.