A collection of ‘Sweepiana‘ (things relating to chimney sweeps, their working conditions and the folklore, literature and mythology surrounding the subject) which were collected by Dr Sidney A. Henry and donated to Leeds Museums in 1956 in memory of his mother Ernestine Henry.

Dr Henry’s interest in sweeps was first aroused by his researches into industrial cancer and particularly on the incidence of this disease among those who worked in sooty surroundings. From this he began to take an interest in sweeps as persons and this led him to investigate the history of the trade. The collection was later divided and much of the books and literature were given to Leeds Central Library, whilst prints and other ephemera remained at the City Museum.

You’ll find several articles exploring this collection elsewhere on the site. 

Please contact the Local and Family History department to view any items from the Henry Collection.