Heritage Collections
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Art Collection
There are approximately 3000 works in the University’s art collection, making it one of the largest art collections in the region. The major strength of the collection is the representation of Canterbury art and artists, in particular those who have taught or studied at the University or at the College of Education.
Documentary Archives
The documentary archives hold over 3000 linear metres of material, comprising correspondence, written papers, minute books, financial papers and general papers. Archives have been obtained from trade unions, voluntary organisations, political parties and politicians, writers and artists, individuals and families, professional associations, business, commerce and the University of Canterbury.
Architectural Drawings Collection
At over 100,000 items, the UC Library holds one of the largest collections of archival architectural drawings in New Zealand. The collection is based on the accumulated work of many South Island Architects, including many original architectural drawings of early Canterbury and the West Coast.
Photographs Collection
The University has many original photographs available in various formats. The University of Canterbury, Christchurch, the wider Canterbury area, and the West Coast feature strongly in the photographs collection. There are also photographs of individuals, groups and places elsewhere in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Published Material
The published material held at the Macmillan Brown Library consists of unique contemporary and historical books, periodicals, maps and pamphlets of all kinds. Some highlights of this collection include the 15,000 foundation volumes collected by John Macmillan Brown, Māori Land Court Minute books, regional and district histories, expedition reports from early Pacific and Antarctic exploration, including Cook’s Voyages and a copy of the limited edition Banks Florilegium.
Memorabilia and Ephemera
The Macmillan Brown Library holds some interesting and valuable memorabilia and items belonging to noted University of Canterbury alumni. Some interesting examples include Sir Ernest Rutherford’s medals, John Macmillan Brown’s reading glasses and John Angus Erskine’s christening gown.
The Macmillan Brown Library also holds a growing collection of ephemeral items such as theatre and concert programmes, exhibition catalogues, political flyers, posters, sports programmes, festival programmes, travel brochures and church service programmes dating from the 1890s.