Archives

The Archives contain the official records of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the papers of many botanists, gardeners and other individuals. They form a valuable resource on the history of the discovery, study, transfer and use of the world's plants and fungi. There are over 7 million sheets of paper in 4,600 archival collections.

Library, Art & Archives is the approved place of deposit for official records under Public Records legislation, and records are available for consultation once they are 30 years old.

Archive Catalogue - search our Archive Catalogue online

Using the Archives - contacting us, visiting us, ordering copies and photographs

Archive collections - general summary, finding aids, new accessions

Sources for the history of Kew - the Kewensia collection, bibliography, sources elsewhere

Frequently asked questions - family history enquiries, garden history enquiries