Visiting the Archive:

Visiting us

The International Anthony Burgess Foundation is committed to making its archive available to as broad a range of users as possible. However, for logistical reasons, you need to make an appointment to see the archive.

The Anthony Burgess Foundation’s reading room will be closed to in-person visitors from Monday 3 February 2025 while we carry out essential work with the archive collections.

We expect that the reading room will re-open in September 2025.

There will be a strictly limited service for online enquiries during the closure period. Responses to enquiries may take longer than usual.

To get in touch with our Archivist, go to our Contact page.

You might have an academic interest in Anthony Burgess and his work. You may be an enthusiast, carrying out your own research. You are welcome to contact the Archivist to arrange a visit to study in our office space filled with Burgess’s office paraphernalia.

We’re continually developing ways to engage with the archive remotely, including learning resources, online exhibitions, podcasts and blogs. Please keep an eye on our website or follow us on social media for other updates and news.

We’re really pleased to be able to welcome visitors back to our reading room and we’ve been busy putting a series of additional measures in place, to ensure everyone’s safety.

• The reading room is limited to a maximum of three researchers at a time. Please discuss your access requirements with the Archivist when making your appointment.
• Our spaces are regularly cleaned, and you’ll find hand sanitiser stations throughout the building. Please wash your hands before entering the reading room.
• We ask you to request the material you’d like to consult in advance of your visit. Our Archivist will help you to identify relevant material as part of the booking process. For this reason, we recommend that you book an appointment at least 7 days before the date of your visit.
• Please don’t come to the Burgess Foundation if you feel unwell, or if anyone in your household has symptoms of Covid-19. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your appointment by contacting the Archivist so that we can reschedule your visit and offer your booking to others.

Thank you for helping to keep everyone safe while you’re here.

The Reading Room is equipped with power sockets for readers to use their own laptops. We have free Wi-Fi.

Lockers are provided for coats, bags and umbrellas.

We have a responsibility to protect our archive materials, and we have protections in place to keep them in the best possible condition.

There are some regulations that you are asked to follow when you visit — click here for more information.

We don’t allow filming or photography without permission, and we cannot allow any objects to leave the archive.

All food and drink (including sweets and bottled water) must be kept outside the Reading Room, to prevent any potential spillages. We have lockers in which you can store your belongings.

We do allow laptops, and you are welcome to use the free Wi-Fi.

Staff will be on hand to assist you with questions.

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