The College of Psychic Studies archive, which began in 1884, is a wonderful collection amassed almost entirely from donations over its long history. With a reputation as a secure repository for spiritualist and psychic material, the collection continues to grow.
Over the years, it has attracted hundreds of scholars, authors and curators drawn to its wealth of spiritualist history, including an impressive library of books from the 18th century to the present day. We encourage this interest. Researchers are welcome to contact the College Curator & Archivist, Jacqui McIntosh, using the contact form on this page for further details. Fees charged for research days and for the publication of images help to maintain and care for this unique, historic collection.
The College of Psychic Studies' archive includes art, artefacts and photography. Some of these extraordinary pieces are displayed in the classrooms and lecture hall for visitors to enjoy, while our exhibitions invite a deeper exploration.
We are fortunate to own one of the largest collections of artworks by Georgiana Houghton beyond Australia. Georgiana Houghton was a founding member of the College in 1884, then the London Spiritualist Alliance. The undoubted jewel in College's crown is an album of her spirit drawings. These beautiful abstract watercolours have gained increasing attention from the art world and have been loaned for major exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale.
Georgiana was not only known as an artist. She was also a pioneer in spirit photography which was prominent from 1860s to 1930s. The College is proud of its extensive collection of spirit photography from all the major practitioners of that period, as well as the published research from psychic investigators who were captivated by the phenomenon.
Another founding member of our College was Anna Mary Howitt Watts, feminist, pre-Raphaelite and Britain's first mediumistic artist. Our archive is home to the world's largest collections of her work.
Private Tours of the College Collection
For the attention of schools, colleges and universities, historical societies, art groups and all of those with a curious mind.
Inspire your students and members with a two-hour private tour of the College's wonderful collection, led by our curator. The tours accommodate up to 15 people and cost £160. Email us to arrange a date.
Treasures from our Archive
We regularly feature pieces from our archives on our blog. Here is the latest article.
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100 Years at Queensberry Place
Archive TreasuresIn the autumn of 1925, our erstwhile president, the author & Spiritualist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, secured a new premises for us. A century on, and The College of Psychic Studies continues to thrive at this esteemed address...
By The College of Psychic Studies -
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Contact our Archivist
Researchers are welcome to contact our archivist through the form below.
CREDITS
1 Ethel le Rossignol, from A Goodly Company series of paintings and drawings, 1920-33. 2 Georgiana Houghton, Flower of Catherine Emily Stringer, 1866. 3 Parkes and Reeves, Spirit Photograph showing Florrie Cook and a spirit, circa 1874. 4 Anna Howitt Watts, Spirit Drawing, circa 1858. 5 Baron Arild Rosenkrantz, Spirit pastel drawing, circa 1929. 6 Georgiana Houghton, Flower of Catherine Stringer, 1866. 7 The College of Psychic Studies Curator & Archivist, Jacqui McIntosh