Welcome to our online catalogue

Use this site to explore the collections held by Oldham Local Studies and Archives and Gallery Oldham as part of the Oldham Heritage, Libraries and Arts service.

Our collections exist to help anyone interested in Oldham to make new discoveries. They relate to the history and heritage of the Borough of Oldham, including the seven townships of Chadderton, Crompton, Failsworth, Lees, Oldham, Royton and Saddleworth, and cover five main collecting areas: Archives, Art, Local Studies, Natural History and Social History.

In the Archive collections, you will find unique original records produced by individuals, local government, businesses, and other organisations that have operated within or have links to Oldham. The records we hold range from Council departments, Oldham Workhouse, local schools and hospitals, to theatre companies, architectural practices, societies and the personal papers of Oldhamers.

Our Art collections cover fine and decorative art including British paintings, art photography, sculpture, studio pottery, Bangladeshi contemporary art and East Asian metalwork and ceramics.

The Local Studies collection is mostly made up of published items such as books, pamphlets, photographs, maps, oral history recordings and newspapers.

In the Natural History collection you can expect to find historical microscopes and microscope slides; specimens of plants, taxidermy, insects, shells, rocks, fossils and minerals. Some of these collections have their origins with the Oldham Microscopical and Natural History Society.

Our Social History collections represent daily and working life in Oldham and include archaeology, tools, costume and textiles, a range of ephemera, plus smaller collections of banners, samplers, coins and medals.

Please note that not all collections are fully catalogued. The online catalogue is updated on regular basis but if you cannot find what you are looking for please click the "Contact Us" link in the footer below and get in touch. Use the same link to ask us about arranging an appointment.