Architectural drawings by P. D. A. Blakesley

The collection includes three plans detailing a reconstruction of the interior layout of Bradgate House (situated in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire), as well as one diagram of a reconstruction of Bradgate House's exterior.

The collection also includes several boxes of slides with photographs and diagrams regarding the following categories:

• Leicestershire houses – including Cossington and Belvoir Castle.
• Building conservation faults – a selection of photographs of building damage annotated with their causes, such as "damage by boiler fumes" and "salt/wind erosion"
• The history of English building styles (domestic)
• The history of English building styles (domestic: interior)
• The history of English building styles (ecclesiastical)
• Personal – a selection of photographs from various locations such as Pisa, Italy, some of which are labelled "appreciation of architecture"

Douglas Arthur 'Peter' Blakesley took on a role as studio instructor at the Leicester School of Architecture in the academic year of 1946-47 following the completion of his studies there. From there he was promoted to a lecturer in the academic year 1954-55. At the end of the academic year 1977-78, Blakesley retired following record service – being associated with the school since 1934. Blakesley is also credited as being instrumental in setting up a Postgraduate Building Conservation Course (one of only three in Britain as of 1978), of which he was the principal lecturer.

The slide collection has been repackaged but the slides kept together as Blakesley had organised them.

Open and available to researchers.

The collection was donated by Blakesley's son.

Description prepared by Paris Cross, volunteer, July 2017.

Material may be copied for research purposes only, subject to copyright regulations and the condition of the material.

Information about Blakesley was found in Leicester Polytechnic annual reports and prospectuses. He is also mentioned in The Leicester School of Architecture, 1940-1952 . A copy of this book is available in Special Collections, reference LC 378.42542.