The University of Brighton Design Archives has retained its status as an Accredited Archive Service, reaffirming its position as a top UK specialist archive.
5 August 2026
First accredited in 2020 by the UK Archive Service Accreditation Scheme, the University of Brighton Design Archives has met both the scheme’s standards and principle of continuous improvement, reflecting its ongoing commitment to preserving internationally important collections while supporting research, teaching and public engagement.
Awarded following a rigorous review process that takes place every six years, the accreditation is the national quality standard for archive services. It recognises excellence across every aspect of archive management, from leadership and stewardship to public engagement, accessibility and the long-term care of collections.
The Design Archives, based at the university's City campus, houses one of the UK's most significant collections relating to post-war design organisations alongside the archives of influential designers whose work has shaped modern visual culture.
Dr Sue Breakell
Since its establishment in 1996, the archive has played a central role in supporting interdisciplinary research, inspiring teaching and connecting design history with contemporary practice.
In its assessment, the Accreditation Panel described the University of Brighton Design Archives as “a strong, well-managed service”, recognising “how well the service is embedded in research and at the university.”
The panel also praised the archive as “a well-led archive service delivered by a small team of well-qualified and enthusiastic staff who respond innovatively and positively to current thinking within both the archives sector and higher education sector.”
Dr Sue Breakell, Director of the University of Brighton Design Archives, said: “Retaining Archive Service Accreditation is a significant achievement for the Design Archives and a reflection of the expertise, creativity and dedication of our team. The accreditation process encourages us to continually reflect on and strengthen our practice, ensuring that our collections remain accessible, relevant and meaningful for researchers, students and wider audiences.
“We are particularly pleased that the panel recognised how deeply embedded the Design Archives is within the university's research and teaching. That integration is central to our mission, enabling us to connect historic collections with contemporary questions and inspire new generations of researchers, designers and creative practitioners.”
Professor Tamar Jeffers McDonald, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor, Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “Retaining this nationally recognised accreditation is a wonderful achievement and testament to the exceptional work of our Design Archives team. The archives are one of the university's distinctive research strengths, bringing together internationally significant collections with innovative teaching, research and public engagement.
“The recognition reinforces the important contribution the Design Archives makes not only to the University of Brighton but to the wider cultural and academic landscape, ensuring these remarkable collections continue to inspire discovery, creativity and collaboration for years to come.”
Archive Service Accreditation is the UK-wide quality standard for archive services and is supported by The National Archives alongside partners across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Accredited archive services demonstrate excellence in leadership, collection care and public access, ensuring the long-term preservation of the UK's documentary heritage.
Principal Research Fellow – School of Art and Media
Centre for Arts and Wellbeing, Material History Research Excellence Group, Centre for Design History
Professor Tamar Jeffers McDonald
Centre for Design History, Material History Research Excellence Group