The files in this series contain material on individual collectors and collections compiled by Waterhouse throughout his career. They are a mixed resource containing lists of works (a large proprtion of which were produced by the Courtauld Photographic Survey); correspondence; published articles; research notes; photographs; exhibition catalogues; newspaper cuttings and huge variety of associated material.
The majority of files concern British collections or collectors, but many relate to those outside the UK. The focus is mostly on British art, but the files also contain information about non-British art and reflect, in particular, Waterhouse's interest in Baroque and Italian art. They concern both public and private collections
The files in this series are organised according to the original order imposed by Waterhouse - there has been no attempt to re-file any documents that appear to be in the 'wrong' place. In most cases, material has been filed under the family name, rather than the name of the family seat (ie. an article on Hever castle is filed under 'A' for Astor family). Despite the fact that the material remained open as a 'live' resource at the Paul Mellon Centre following Waterhouse's death in 1985, very little seems to have been added since this date.
The file description contains a full list of the file contents including a reference to every collection or collector mentioned.