History
Discover some of the history and stories that have helped make us who we are today
Company Archive
The M&S Company Archive is a vital business asset of over 70,000 historical items and acts to collect, preserve and utilise material relating to all aspects of our history and development as a company. One of the richest retail history collections in the country, the Archive collection charts our journey over more than 130 years, from Penny Bazaar to international multichannel retailer.
Our diverse collection of items dates from the start of the company in 1884 and includes written records, staff publications, photographs and films, garments and household products, design and advertising material and much much more. Find out more about the collection using our online catalogue.
Marks in Time: Discover our story
From the clothes we wear to the food we eat, you can now experience the M&S journey for yourself at the Marks in Time Exhibition. Based on the University of Leeds campus, the M&S Company Archive is home to the Marks in Time Exhibition which celebrates the M&S story and offers fascinating insights into our changing lifestyles and British social history.
The Archive offers a wide range of activities, from schools and community workshops to special events and a bespoke programme for group visitors; including guided tours, expert talks, free refreshments and our award winning M&S Heritage trail. The Archive is based on the University of Leeds campus and gives researchers and academics from all walks of life the opportunity to directly access the collection through our bookable Reading Room Service.
Downloads and Links
To visit the Marks In Time website and find out more about our heritage and how we are using it today, please click here
To download pictures of the M&S Company Archive Collection from our media library, please click here
For the opening day press release for the M&S Company Archive please click here
Contact our Company Archive Team
If you have an enquiry about the history of M&S, our Archive team will be happy to help you.
By Email: company.archive@marks-and-spencer.com
By phone: 0208 718 2800
By post:
M&S Company Archive
Michael Marks Building
Western Campus
University of Leeds
LS2 9JT