From The Archives

The Schools Archives and Records Association report by Peter Elliott (MHS Archivist 2017-2021)

The last year has been a case of ‘All Quiet on the Archives Front’. Like many people, I was furloughed from March 2020 to the start of the following Autumn Term, and unable to work on the collection and there were virtually no new donations. Since my return, however, I have been busy collecting material showing the effect lockdown has had on the school.

In November, Bonhams came to conduct a valuation of the Foundation’s art collection for insurance purposes, last done in 1991. As well as escorting the valuer around to view works, I updated the archive catalogue. I also compiled information on each of the works, which I hope will enable the displayed works to be captioned. I can’t comment on the report, other than to say it brought a few (pleasant) surprises.

With the aim of showcasing the archive’s material and aspects of school life to a wider audience, I ran a Twitter campaign from November 2020 to March 2021. Topics ranged from school food, Latin and Greek, to celebrations and updates on Old Millhillians. Finding suitable material was an interesting challenge – how might we illustrate #SchoolSlang? – but I was usually able to contribute a few images for each theme. If you are interested in taking a look you can find us on Twitter @ MillHillSenior.

We always welcome donations to the archive. However, to avoid unnecessary duplication it would be helpful if you could get in touch by email omrelations@omclub.co.uk before sending anything in. A donation in person is also possible but do let us know first if you plan to come in.

On a personal note, when I took up my post in 2016, I told myself I would give it five years, little realising that this is the exact time most OMs were at the school. My decision to resign from my post at the end of last academic year is primarily a longer commute and a personal project that needs more time. I will be sorry to leave: there is much about Mill Hill that reminds me of my old school, and the OMs I have met are not unlike my Old Bridlingtonian friends.

Swimming Pool

Fives Courts

Sports Hall

Sixth Form Centre & Café 6 Day Houses: Atkinson, McClure & Winfield

New House

Sports Changing Rooms

Piper Library

Chapel

Marnham Building & The Large Favell

Top Terrace

Dining Hall

School O ce

Learning Support & Day Houses: Weymouth, Murray, School, Cedars & Priestley

Head’s Lawn

Development O ce & Old Millhillians Club O ce St Bees

The Peter Collinson Heritage Garden

Medical Centre