Archives service
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Archives Service holds scientific, logistic and administrative records created by BAS and its predecessor organisations (Operation Tabarin and the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey).
These provide a unique source of scientific polar data and information about organising and undertaking research in remote and hostile environments.
Status
The Archives have ‘place of deposit’ status assigned by the National Archives, so the service meets government standards for storage and access.
In 2018, the reports and photographs that form the backbone of the collection were made part of the UNESCO UK Memory of the World Register. This recognises that the collection is a significant part of the nation’s memory, documenting the UK’s leading role in the modern era of Antarctic scientific research.
Our Collection
The list of records gives an overview of the type of records in the collection, and the main record series which have been selected for permanent retention.
As well as internal records, we acquire records donated by former members of BAS staff, and from organisations closely related to BAS, which are held on long-term loan. If you hold records relating to BAS and would like to discuss a donation, please contact us.
A full database of the collection is available to access in the Archives Service office.
A database of the artefacts at British historic sites in the Antarctic is maintained by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. Records produced by other Antarctic expeditions are held by repositories such as the Scott Polar Research Institute.
Visiting
Members of the public are welcome to visit our archives by appointment only.
To book:
- email us basarchives@bas.ac.uk.
- or use our general contact details
- address post to The Archives Service, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge. CB3 0ET
If you are unable to visit the archives in person, or you have an enquiry, please contact us to see how we may be able to help. We aim to respond to enquiries within 21 working days.
Use of the archives is subject to a number of conditions to ensure the security and preservation of the records. Signing the visitor’s registration form constitutes agreement to abide by these conditions for access.
Copies of the records may be ordered, subject to copyright restrictions and the condition of the original material.
Opening hours
Monday – Friday: 09.30 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 17:00, by appointment only.
The office is accessible to wheelchair users.