TownsWeb Archiving

04/06/2026

Final warning! Applications for our 2026 Digitisation grant closes tomorrow at 5pm.

Apply here: https://hubs.li/Q04jxxyx0

03/06/2026

The London Library’s membership forms are a living archive of literary and cultural history.

Spanning ledger books and bound membership forms dating back to 1841, the collection reflects over 185 years of members, connections, and ideas.

However, over time, tightly bound volumes made the material increasingly difficult to search, handle, and preserve.

Through our digitisation and PastView platform, access to this rich archive is now easier than ever before, making it possible to explore names and discover connections that were previously hidden within fragile records.

Watch more via the link: https://hubs.li/Q04jVq-_0

02/06/2026

Only 3 days to go!

There is still time to get your application in before 5pm on the 5th June. Here's what you can expect if you're applying this year:
- 10 x grants of £3,000 available.
- £500 added to a Match Funding Pot per application received.
- Up to £1,000 in match funding per applicant on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Match Funding Pot continues to be popular, so we have decided to run it again. Following the announcement of the 10 x grant winners at the ARA Conference on 6th August 2026, the funding pot will officially open on 7th August.

Apply here: https://hubs.li/Q04jxLXF0

29/05/2026

⏳ 1 week to go to apply to our Digitisation Grant!

Don’t miss your chance to support your digitisation project, follow the link to apply now: https://hubs.ly/Q04fq1sH0

21/05/2026

Behind every archive is a story waiting to be rediscovered!

In our work with Sherborne Museum, we digitised a remarkable collection of glass plate negatives - fragile photographic records capturing life in Sherborne over a century ago.

From careful handling of the originals to producing high-quality digital files, the project ensures these images are preserved and accessible for future generations. Find out more about the project here: https://hubs.li/Q04fq3zl0

19/05/2026

History deserves to be seen 👀

That’s why the TownsWeb Archiving Digitisation Grant exists - to help organisations preserve and digitise important cultural collections, making them accessible for everyone.

From fragile documents to historic photographs, funding helps bring heritage into the digital age. Applications are open, follow the link now so you don’t miss out!

We’re thrilled to announce that the TWA Digitisation Grant is now OPEN, as of the 22nd April 2026! Find out what’s on offer and how to apply.

13/05/2026

What makes a digitisation grant application stand out?

It's not just about the collection itself, but how clearly you communicate its value.

The strongest applications:
– Show clear heritage need and impact
– Highlight what makes the collection unique
– Demonstrate how it will be accessed and used
– Tell a story that connects with the reader

With judging criteria covering everything from research value to accessibility, it’s all about presenting a well-rounded, thoughtful proposal.

Take a look at the full tips👇
https://hubs.li/Q04gppDT0

11/05/2026

A look back over the month with Millie 👀

April was a busy month across the studio, with a real mix of digitisation work - from bound volumes and loose papers to posters and visitor books.

One of the key projects this month has been ongoing work for Unilever, where we’ve been scanning a varied collection, including visitor books, international reports, financial records, and environmental and social impact documentation.

A particularly interesting element has been a series of colourful hair care posters and newspaper articles dating from 1960 to 1980. These provide a fascinating snapshot of product development and marketing trends of the time, including international examples from countries such as Australia and Argentina.

Alongside this, we’ve been digitising reports from overseas site visits - including multiple records from Japan - covering operational detail such as financial performance as well as wider environmental and social reporting.

Read Millies full blog here:

TownsWeb Digitisation Technician Millie Coleman shares what she and the team have been working on during the month of April 2026.

06/05/2026

Our Digitisation Grant is now open for applications, offering funding to support the digitisation of cultural heritage collections and improve long-term accessibility!

Each year, the grant helps organisations preserve valuable archival materials and make them more discoverable for researchers, communities, and future generations.

If your organisation is working to protect and share heritage collections, this could be an excellent opportunity to support your digitisation goals. Apply for funding here: https://hubs.li/Q04fpqk90

23/04/2026

🎭 Happy Shakespeare Day!

We’re celebrating by revisiting our incredible project digitising Shakespeare’s First Folio and the RSC archives.

Thanks to AM, SBT, and our team, these rare treasures are now preserved and accessible online - opening new ways to explore the Bard’s plays and theatre history.

From fragile folios to digital discoveries, Shakespeare has never been closer!