This is a collection of material brought together by, or relating to, local nineteenth century collectors John and Thomas Bell. There are four boxes relating to the local book trade, seven more relating to the Port of Tyne, and forty packets of cuttings, correspondence and other miscellaneous items which are useful for local history.

The Bell-White Collection comprises printed and manuscript items which had been assembled by keen collectors John (1783-1864) and Thomas (1785-1860) Bell in the Nineteenth Century, some of which material had subsequently been purchased by fellow collector, Robert White (1802-1874). The collection focuses on local history and is a particularly good resource for local political history as it includes election addresses, squibs, broadsides and bills. Local poetry and songs are also represented.There is also a large collection of genealogical material relating to local families which contain documents relating to business concerns, deaths, events, honours, household matters, legal affairs, property, sales, social lives and occupations, as well as containing family pedigrees, illustrations and correspondence.

The Burman-Alnwick Collection was brought together by Dr. C.C. Burman and presented to Alnwick U.D.C. by his son, Joseph Burman, to later be deposited in the Library on long-term loan.It consists of books, pamphlets, broadsides and other material printed in Alnwick 1700-1917 and is chiefly a local history collection, containing such items as An address to 'the four and twenty' of the borough of Alnwick: on certain improvements in the plan of education, pursued in the borough school [1839], The Alnwick Mercury, Northumberland Advertiser, and entertaining miscellany (1854-1859), The Journal of the Northumberland Agricultural Society (1850) and the Alnwick Mechanics' Institute's Annual Report [18--]. It is also something of a literary collection, containing Alnwick printings of well-known tales such as The babes in the wood [18--] and The ballad of Chevy Chase (1800) as well as children's literature and educational tools like The child's battledore [c.1830], works by James Beattie and Thomas Percy and various chapbooks and ballads. Published sermons and letters also appear.

This collection comprises copied, and some original, photographs, papers and documents relating to the architect Robert Burns Dick (1868-1954) who had substantial influence in the north-east of England, particularly in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.

The collection includes photographs of personal documents relating to land conveyance and partnerships with Cackett and Mackellar; architectural drawings and photographs of 'Millmount' and 'the Wedge', both designed by Burns Dick; and newspaper articles and other cuttings relating to him and his work. There is also material relating to an exhibition on Burns Dick held by the northern region of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1984.

Part of a bequest from Edwin Clarke (1919-1996), the Clarke Local Collection is more than a local history collection as it is quite strong in the literature of the region too: T. Wilson's The pitman's pay: and other poems (1843), Robert White's The Tynemouth nun: a poem (1829), Rhymes of Northern bards (1812) and more, as well as memoirs, sermons, topographical descriptions, guides and histories.

Although it comprises books published in the mid- to late-Twentieth Century, for the most part, it does contain a significant amount of more historic material, such as The papers which passed at New-castle betwixt his sacred Majestie and Mr Al. Henderson … (1649), R. Gardiner's Englands grievance discovered … (1655), A sentimental tour through Newcastle (1794), History of the water supply of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (1851) and several nineteenth-century directories and poll books.

This collection is based around the personal diaries of Prof John Wight Duff, (1866-1944), at one time Professor of Classics at Armstrong College, and his wife Lizzie. This comprehensive run of diaries offers a fascinating insight into life in late 19th and early 20th Century Britain. The period covers both of the two World Wars and represents a period of social and political change within the UK. Within this collection there is also a small collection of associated correspondence, travel maps and documents, and family photographs.This collection is based around the personal diaries of Prof John Wight Duff, (1866-1944), at one time Professor of Classics at Armstrong College, and his wife Lizzie. This comprehensive run of diaries offers a fascinating insight into life in late 19th and early 20th Century Britain. The period covers both of the two World Wars and represents a period of social and political change within the UK. Within this collection there is also a small collection of associated correspondence, travel maps and documents, family photographs, and John Wight Duff's lecture notes on various classics subjects.

Leonard Charles Evetts (1909-1997) was a designer and artist, and the Head of Design at Kings College Newcastle between 1963-1974 (now Newcastle University). Evetts is known primarily for working in stained glass, calligraphy and watercolour, although the full range of his design work was extensive, and included various more unusal commissions from milk cartons to ceremonial ornaments. His contribution to building and artefact conservation was also significant and within this remit he was Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Care of Churches, between 1972-81, and a member of Newcastle Diocesan Advisory Committee (on new installations and additions) for over fifty years. Over four hundred examples of his stained glass work exist in Britain, including his most ambitious work at St Nicholas, Bishopwearmouth, Sunderland comprising of forty-six individual windows.

This archive of Leonard Evetts' work, kindly transferred to Newcastle University Library by his widow in 2016, comprises largely of his commission project files. These files are of great research value, containing large scale colour designs as well as sketches and commission correspondence. They span hundreds of commissions which include paintings, the design and restoration of armorials, the design of ceremonial and religious objects, and the design and execution of over 300 stained glass windows in both religious and secular settings.

In addition, the collection also includes a smaller representation of other aspects of Leonard Evetts' work including some watercolours, lettering studies and some personal family items.

This collection of illustrations by local artist Thomas Hair (c.1810-1875) depicts the mining industry and the coal trade in the North East in the nineteenth century. The illustrations are based on Hair's watercolours on the same topic. The illustrations in the collection highlight numerous aspects of the region's mining heritage, including collieries, machinery, and river trade scenes. Many of the illustrations also show the everyday workings of the industry and those involved in it.