International Times: The Barry Miles Archive

This material is held atLiverpool John Moores University Special Collections and Archives

  • Reference
    • GB 2993 IT
  • Dates of Creation
    • mid-1960s to mid-1980s
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 3m

Scope and Content

The IT archives include a complete run of the paper along with the editorial minutes and internal memos detailing the finances and reaction to the police raids and take-over attempts which characterised the paper's colourful history. Of great interest are the letters between Miles and co-founder John Hopkins while Hopkins was in prison, providing insights into the practicalities of running an underground newspaper under the constant scrutiny of the authorities.

Administrative / Biographical History

The International Times (IT) collection is the archive of the first and longest lasting European underground newspaper, running from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s. Barry Miles was the co-founder of Indica Books and Gallery and the International Times. Closely allied to the Beatles, who helped out financially, the IT covered everything from flying saucers to eastern mysticism, taking in contemporary music and literature. Contributors included William Buirroughs, Alan Ginsberg, John Peel, Mal Dean and Jeff Nuttall. The iconic IT Girl logo appeared on the cover of each issue along with a striking graphic image.

Access Information

Open for consultation. To book an appointment please contact 0151 231 3813 or Archives@ljmu.ac.uk

Acquisition Information

Purchased from Barry Miles in 2007

Other Finding Aids

A list of the collection is available on request.

Personal Names