The W.R. Mitchell Archive

Scope and Content

  • Scrapbooks (1956-1988) containing correspondence with contributors, colour proofs of art work, articles by Mr Mitchell for other journals, news cuttings, ephemera, and some of the smaller Dalesman publications.
  • There are two scrapbooks of material from the Settle-Carlisle Railway centenary in 1976.
  • Photograph albums 1979-1986, illustrating life in the northern Dales and Lakeland.
  • "Letters from the Dales" (a column for the Bradford Telegraph and Argus), March 1994 to July 1999.
  • Correspondence relating to The Dalesman magazine and publishing house, 1938-1999, with notes by Mr Mitchell.
  • Audiotapes of interviews and reminiscences, illustrating aspects of life in Yorkshire and Lakeland.

Administrative / Biographical History

W.R. (Bill) Mitchell has had a long career as journalist with and editor of The Dalesman magazine and Cumbria magazine. The Dalesman, first published from the Dales village of Clapham in 1939, is one of the country's most notable regional magazines, with a monthly circulation of more than 50,000. The magazine features Yorkshire life, past and present, portraying the country and its people in words, paintings, photographs and drawings. Mr Mitchell has also written many books, mostly about the North Country, and articles for other journals and local newspapers. In June 1996 Mr Mitchell was awarded the MBE, and in July 1996 the University of Bradford awarded him the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.

Access Information

Available to researchers, by appointment.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Mr Mitchell in 1997 and subsequently.

Note

In English

Other Finding Aids

Unpublished handlist

Conditions Governing Use

Copies may be supplied or produced at the discretion of Special Collections staff, subject to copyright law and the condition of the originals. Applications for permission to make published use of any material should be directed to the Special Collections Librarian in the first instance. The Library will assist where possible with identifying copyright owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material.