Archives
The Society's Archives
We are delighted to announce that our Archives space was successfully refurbished in early 2026, making it a lot more welcoming and functional for Society members and local residents, as well as members of the public for years to come. In addition to improved wiring, lighting and heating, the space has benefited from full redecoration, with a new kitchen and toilet facilities and a drop-down screen for projections.
The Society is especially grateful to Westminster City Council for financially supporting the refurbishment project, via the St James’s and Vincent Square ward budgets. We express our thanks to councillors Tim Mitchell, Mark Shearer, David Harvey, Martin Hayes, Selina Short, and especially outgoing councillor Louise Hyams, who has been particularly supportive of the Thorney Island Society’s work over a number of years.
The Thorney Island Archives, 10 Old Pye Street, SW1P 2DG
Apart from documents and photographs charting the organisation and activities of The Thorney Island Society itself, the archive contains a wealth of material of historical interest.
WESTMINSTER : Planning files, arranged by street name, contain the Society's response to applications and include information of architectural and historical interest, with detailed plans and reports. Other material relates to Westminster organisations and issues, including Westminster City Council, Licensing, Police, Arts, and religious bodies.
LONDON: Papers relating to the Greater London Authority, the Royal Parks, River Thames, museums and galleries, wildlife and conservation, societies.
PHOTOGRAPHS, PRINTS, MAPS: The photographic collection contains images dating from the early 20th century, many of which show architectural details. There is a fine selection of maps and prints, many of which adorn the walls at Old Pye Street.
POSTCARDS: A large and eclectic collection of postcards, from the 19th to 21st centuries, is arranged by subject, in over one hundred categories, from Admiralty Arch to Whitehall, including advertisements, houses, London life, personalities, streets, and state occasions.
PRINTED MATERIAL: There is a library of books of London interest, as well as periodicals and pamphlets.
EPHEMERA: The General Files, arranged alphabetically by subject, contain material ranging from archaeology, architecture, and education to statues, transport, and wildlife. There is also a large collection of newspaper cuttings, a selection of commemorative coins, and albums of first-day covers of British stamps.
The archive may be visited by appointment only; application should be made to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the website contact form.
We open the archives twice a year to members and the public as part of the South West Fest and London Open House Weekend.