The Aston University Archives house materials related to the history of Aston University (1966–) and its forerunner institutions: the Birmingham Municipal Technical School (1895–1927), Birmingham Central Technical College (1927–1951), the College of Technology Birmingham (1951–1956) and the College of Advanced Technology (1956–1966).

The collection includes institutional records, publications, photographs, and objects which shed light on education, politics, economics, society and culture in Birmingham and the Midlands. It also chronicles a variety of trades and professions, reflecting both local and global developments.

Additional materials include newspapers, brochures and records of the popular music acts which performed in the Great Hall, together with videos and slides of the campus as it has been built up - and knocked down - as well as campus maps through the decades.

The archives contain works of art as well as notable objects that reflect changing cultural and societal norms over the decades: for example, a silver platter presented to the Senior Common Room by the Academic Wives’ Club in 1967. Materials are continuously deposited and catalogued by members of the broader Aston community.

For details please consult this summary description of holdings and preliminary inventory.