John Heap collection

The collection comprises of material relating to sea ice distribution

John Arnfield Heap was born in 1932 in Manchester. He was educated at Leighton Park School in Reading and the University of Edinburgh, graduating with an MA in geography. While an undergraduate, he gained his first polar experience when he led the Edinburgh University expedition to Arctic Norway in 1953.

Heap spent seven years conducting sea-ice research for the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (later the British Antarctic Survey), and he was awarded his doctorate in 1962. After two years as a research associate at the University of Michigan, he was appointed deputy head and - in 1975 - head of the Polar Regions Section of the Foreign Office (later renamed the Foreign and Commonwealth Office), where he remained until his retirement in 1992. In 1991 he was awarded a CMG for his services in the FCO. Between 1992 and 1997, Heap served as director of the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, and from 1997 to 1998, acted as executive director.

Published work Handbook of the Antarctic Treaty System edited by John A. Heap, Polar Publications Cambridge (1990) SPRI Library Shelf (7)341.24[1959 Antarctic Treaty][pub.1990]

The collection is arranged chronologically

By appointment.

Some materials deposited at the Institute are NOT owned by the Institute. In such cases the archivist will advise about any requirements imposed by the owner. These may include seeking permission to read, extended closure, or other specific conditions.

Anyone wishing to consult material should ensure they note the entire MS reference and the name of the originator.

The term holograph is used when the item is wholly in the handwriting of the author. The term autograph is used when the author has signed the item.

Descriptions compiled by N. Boneham, Assistant Archivist with assistance from R. Stancombe and reference to The Polar Record volume .29 number 168 January 1993 p75

Clive Holland Manuscripts in the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, England - a catalogue, Garland Publishing New York and London (1982) ISBN 0824093941.

Additional finding aids are available at the Institute.

By appointment.

Some materials deposited at the Institute are NOT owned by the Institute. In such cases the archivist will advise about any requirements imposed by the owner. These may include seeking permission to read, extended closure, or other specific conditions

Further accessions possible