Research Access to CPH Collections

 

The collections of Centre for Performance History are available for study and research by scholars and students on weekdays. The following notes should be read in conjunction with the Collection Regulations (see also paragraph 6 below). Researchers should note that the Portraits and Performance History Collection (PPHC) is not in the main RCM Building, but near Hammersmith (click here for the address and travel advice).

 

Access 

1.             Research access to the collections is strictly by prior appointment only.

a.     Museum of Instruments: research access is prioritised on Mondays where possible, but, depending on the nature of the access required other weekdays may be accommodated.

b.    PPHC: the opening hours for research are normally 10.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00, though these are subject to variation.

c.    Other operational demands (e.g. necessary maintenance work) permitting, every reasonable effort will be made to provide access on dates convenient to the researcher.

d.     Researchers are advised to contact the CPH as far in advance of their planned visit as possible, especially if they plan to consult iconographic materials.

2.             Different types of material will be consulted in different locations.

a.    Most musical instruments and associated documentation, and some portraits will be viewed in the Museum of Instruments

b.     Most iconographic material, paper-based collections and barrel organs will be consulted at the PPHC.

3.             Details of catalogues and finding aids (some unpublished and available only at the RCM) are available here.

4.             Special regulations apply to the measurement of instruments – click here to request a copy of these regulations.

 

Registration

5.             In order for the CPH to provide an appropriate level of service, all researchers consulting CPH material will be required to complete a registration form. You may download the form as a word document; please complete it and bring it with you when you visit the collection.

6.    Those wishing to undertake research in the collections must first read and sign a copy of the Collection Regulations.

 

Photography 

7.             Normally all photography will be undertaken by College staff. If, exceptionally, permission is granted for the researcher to undertake photography, special regulations and fees apply – click here to request a copy of these regulations.

8.             Permission for photocopying of non-copyright material must be obtained from CPH staff, and will not be granted if the process is likely to cause damage to the objects concerned.