Manuscript, typed, duplicated and printed papers collected during Mrs Adams's term as Director, Home Intelligence, Ministry of Information, including papers on the sections' establishment and organisation; daily and weekly intelligence reports; special reports on morale (some by Mass-Observation; with some photographs); memoranda on and scripts for radio broadcasts; and papers on and reports by the War-time Social Survey.
Mary Adams Papers
This material is held atUniversity of Sussex Special Collections
- Reference
- GB 181 SxMOA 4
- Dates of Creation
- 1939-1942
- Name of Creator
- Language of Material
- English.
- Physical Description
- 7 boxes; 2.8 cubic feet
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
Mary Grace Agnes Adams (born Campin; 1898-1984) graduated from University College, Cardiff and went to Cambridge as a research student and then as a lecturer for the Extra-Mural Board and the Board of Civil Service Studies. She joined the staff of the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1930. During the Second World War she served in the Ministry of Information, as Director, Home Intelligence (1939-41) and North American Broadcasting (1942-45). Returning to the BBC, she was Head of Talks and Current Affairs (1945-54) and Assistant to Controller of Television (1954-58). Public offices included membership of the Independent Television Authority (1965-70), and deputy chairmanship of the Consumers' Association (1958-70). (Who was who, 1981-1990.)
Access Information
The collection is open to all bona fide researchers, by appointment only, telephone or email a week in advance of your intended visit. Researchers must abide by the conditions protecting the collection.
Acquisition Information
Given by Mrs Mary Adams in 1979 to the Mass-Observation Archive Trust which deposited with the University of Sussex. Additional material from Ian McLaine and Michael Balfour.
Note
Prepared by John Farrant, September 2002.
Other Finding Aids
A handlist is available in the Library.
Conditions Governing Use
Reproduction conditions vary. Please consult the Head of Special Collections.