The Collections

The Collection is primarily a collection of objects and archives connected with paddle steamers but it also contains a significant collection of material relating to pleasure steamers due to its foundation as the Paddle & Pleasure Steamer Historical Trust as well as the important role that these vessels played in the development of coastal passenger services. In addition, there is a modest collection of material relating to ferries and other small craft that demonstrate a similar role to the paddle steamer and which were part of the development of services. The Collection is primarily that of an archive as a considerable amount of the material is made up of photographs, ephemera and records. This makes it a significant tool for research. It is also rich in a number of 3D objects that are of great significance to maritime enthusiasts and researchers.

Ships Fittings

Existing Collections

The Society owns a modest collection of fittings from various Thames and South coast paddle steamers. This includes; the telegraphs from the Consul, wheel from the Princess Elizabeth, bell from the Monarch, wheel from the London Belle, paddle box crest from the Royal Sovereign, whistle from the London Belle, siren from the Royal Sovereign, builders plaque from the Bournemouth Queen, bell from the Royal Eagle, paddle box carving from the Glen Usk and a fire bucket from the London Belle.

Future Collecting

The collection of large 3D objects should be actively pursued. This should include ships fittings from steamers around the whole of the UK. Material from the three operational steamers: Waverley, Balmoral and Kingswear Castle should be actively pursued as material is sparse in this area. Attempts should be made to attract material from other preservation groups or owners of derelict vessels in order to preserve heritage material.

Photographs

Existing Collections

A Society has a collection of film negatives, glass plate negatives, prints and framed photographs mainly concerned with Thames, South Coast and Bristol Channel paddle and pleasure steamers. Material relating to the three operational steamers is poor. There is virtually no material relating to services on the Firth of Clyde.

Future Collecting

Emphasis should be made on collecting material to cover the whole of the UK. Large collections should be acquired as the Society should see the development of this particular collection as a vital prt of its work. The PSPS Collection should also be the UK's main repository of photographs showing Waverley, Balmoral and Kingswear Castle.

Ephemera

Existing Collections

The Society has a growing collection of tickets, leaflet, press cuttings and other such ephemera.

Future Collecting

The Society should actively collect tickets and other paper ephemera form all UK operating companies. Material dating from pre-1939 should be strongly collected. The PSPS Collection should also ensure that all ephemera produced by Waverley, Balmoral and Kingswear Castle is placed in its collection.

Uniform & Textiles

Existing Collection

The Society has no items of unifrom in its Collection. A very small collection of flags exist.

Future Collecting

The Society should endeavour to collect items of uniform although this will be difficult to achieve. A collection of house flags and name pennants should also be actively collected.

Handbills

Existing Collections

The Society has an excellent collection of handbills relating to Bristol Channel and South coast services of P & A Campbell as well as a good collection of handbills covering steamer services on the Thames and Medway. There is virtually no material relating to services on the Firth of Clyde.

Future Collecting

The Society should actively build up its collection of handbills. This effort should be concentrated on the Clyde, Thames and South coast as well as more obscure areas such as the North West and North East. Material dating to pre-1939 should be actively collected.

Postcards

Existing Collections

The Society has a modest collection of postcards covering the whole of the UK. It is particularly strong on the steamers operated by P & A Campbell.

Future Collecting

Material should be collected from all areas to fill gaps. A comprehensive collection of postcards covering the heritage and operation of Waverley, Balmoral and Kingswear Castle should be built up.

Books

Existing Collections

The Society has a good collection of books covering the whole of the UK.

Future Collecting

Books published pre-1939 should be collected as well as recently published works.

Film & Video

Existing Collections

The Society has a modest but growing collection of film collected by its film unit. This mainly covers material post 1945.

Future Collecting

The Society should actively collect film of steamers from around the UK.

Oral History

Existing Collections

The Society has no collection of oral history.

Future Collecting

The Society should actively encourage such material as a matter of urgency. This material may take the form of recorded testimony or typewritten material.

Models

Existing Collections

The Society owns a modest collection of madels of varying quality. Most are on display in museums around the UK.

Future Collecting

The Society should actively collect models of museum quality of steamers that cover the whole of the UK.

Ceramics & Silverware

Existing Collections

The Society has a small and fragmented collection of silverware and ceramics mainly covering the Thames services of the General Steam Navigation Company and P&A Campbell.

Future Collecting

The Society should actively collect items of crested tableware such as teapots, coffee pots, cups, saucers, cutlery, plates, jugs, basins and tureens from all areas. This should be seen as a priority.

Posters

Existing Collections

The Society has a modest but growing collection of posters. Almost all relate to paddle steamer services on the Thames and most date from pre-1939.

Future Collecting

The Society should actively collect posters covering the whole of the UK. Posters produced by Waverley, Balmoral and Kingswear Castle should also be collected.

Furniture

Existing Collections

The Society holds few items of furniture. The most notable items include a Dining Saloon chair from the Clacton Belle and the Chief Engineers desk from the Glen Gower.

Future Collecting

The Society should expand this area of its collecting if opportunities arise.

Souvenirs

Existing Collections

The Society has a growing collection of souvenirs. These are concentrated on post-1945 Thames services as well as souvenirs produced by Waverley, Balmoral and Kingswear Castle post-1985. All new souvenirs are acquired for the Collection.

Future Collecting

The Society should build up a full collection of souvenirs relating to Waverley, Balmoral and Kingswear Castle. Souvenirs from steamers pre-1939 should be actively acquired.

Society Archives

Existing Collections

The Society has an excellent archive of its administration since 1959.

Future Collecting

Society Officers should ensure that all papers relating to the PSPS are deposited in the Collection.

Plans

Existing Collections

The Society has a modest collection of plans. They mainly fall into two areas; Cosens and Thames motor vessels.

Future Collecting

The Society should build up a comprehensive collection of plans from the whole of the UK.

If you would like to help the Society to fill vital gaps in its Collection by donating material then please contact the Collections Manager.