The library’s Special Collections contain a range of materials including:
Ted Heath collections
Ted Heath led Britain's greatest post-war big band. His manuscript band scores and parts are kept at Leeds Conservatoire. The Ted Heath Music Appreciation Society archive complements this collection.
Max Abrams diaries
Max Abrams' diaries, scrapbooks and correspondence give a detailed insight into the life of this well-known drum teacher, who fixed jobs for his students with the top big bands.
Make a donation
We are currently only able to consider taking items relevant to the conservatoire, existing collections or that tell the story of jazz in Yorkshire.
Visiting the archive
Anyone wishing to visit should contact the library. Visits cannot be arranged outside the opening times listed on the main library web page, and visitors without appointments will be turned away.
Scanning or copying of archive collection items
Visitors are not allowed to make copies of archive or collection items themselves. However, if the conditions of the archive/collection allow, library staff can provide scans or copies of items if requested.
Charges for this service are as follows:
- Handling fee (per work): £10
- Cost per page scanned: 75p
- Printing (unbound) per page: 50p
- Postage costs: as per local rate
Additional services are also available:
- Printed score (comb bound or stapled, depending on size): £10
- Printed instrumental parts (formatted for players)*: £4
*Instrumental part charge only applicable to parts longer than one A4 page.
For more information, or to arrange a visit to the archive, please email the library.
