The collection spans the whole of Lawson's life including his education, his career with various pharmaceutical companies and his involvement with the Methodist church. A number of notebooks date from Lawson's time as an apprentice, while other papers and textbooks stem from his period at the London School of Pharmacy. His earliest professional notes date from his employment with Hayes Cunningham and Robinson, Dublin pharmacists. The Daisy Co., Leeds and Boots Pure Drug Company, Nottingham feature prominently, with material covering sales and company policy, formula blueprints, staff magazines and official correspondence.
A series of papers concerning his active role as a member of Ruddington Methodist Church includes documents about the Samuel Carter Trust, for which he was treasurer. A small bundle of correspondence and newsprint cuttings concern local affairs, particularly during the period (c. 1930-1942) when he represented Musters Ward on West Bridgford Urban District Council.
The collection includes books and printed material on pharmaceutical subjects, together with a quantity of advertising literature and related papers.
A series of theatre programmes and related papers from the Nottingham Playhouse (1955-83) reflect the interest of his son, Hugh Lawson, in local theatre.