Leeds Central Library is proud to be home to the Sanderson Collection, a richly-diverse archive of clothing history, featuring a variety of rare printed materials concerning vintage fashion, including illustrations, photographs, magazines, books and ephemera – all collected by Kenneth Sanderson, born in Rothwell in 1896. 

A permanent page exploring the collection can be found elsewhere on this website. That page has recently been updated and expanded – the ideal place to start if you’re keen to find out more about this unique set of materials and the man who collected them. A research guide, listing the key items in the collection, is also available.

Highlights from the Sanderson Collection will be on display at two upcoming events: Bustles, Breeches & Sailor Suits, a Central Library workshop exploring vintage children’s wear, for which places can be booked on Ticketsource; and the Armley Print Fest 2020,  a drop-in day of activities for all the family, at which our Librarians will be displaying a range of printing from the Leeds of yesterday, today and tomorrow – including examples from the Sanderson Collection.