Sir Harry Page Collection
A unique collection of scrap books, albums and commonplace books
Overview
![Page from a Victorian scrapbook illustrated with a watercolour of children in a domestic interior](https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_two_column/public/2021-08/Album%20no.%2057%20Harry%20Page%20Collection_edited.jpg?h=105ddfd0&itok=h18Wx9Jy)
This collection contains more than 300 scrap books, albums and common-place books. It is one of the largest collections of its type in the country and was collected by Sir Harry Page, a former Treasurer at Manchester City Council.
Whilst most of the albums in the collection date from the mid to late 19th century, there are also examples from the 18th and the 20th centuries.
The types of albums in the collection varies greatly, including those containing ‘traditional’ printed scraps, travel diaries, school exercise books, photography, watercolours and poetry. Page’s stated intention was to collect albums that reflected the personality of the compiler, both in the materials included and in the design of the albums.
This collection is not currently searchable online. It can be viewed in person in our Reading Room by making an appointment. If you’d like to bring your students to see some of the collection, enquire about a group visit.
Access the collection
Photography and Copyright
You can photograph our collections for personal study and research only. Just ask for a Photography Permission Form when you visit.
If you’re not able to visit us in person, we may be able to send you a scan or photograph of the item instead.
Contact us if you need an image for use in social media, print or online publication, or commercial purposes.
Get in touch
![Staff helping a student at the Helpdesk](https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_two_column/public/2021-10/Staff%20at%20the%20Helpdesk_0.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=BcOoH_Dg)