This is not just any archive. See inside the refurbed M&S Archive in Leeds, where you can dress up as your gran

Most of the M&S Archive fashion and clothing collection is made up of donations from members of the public. “It is incredible what people still find,” Katie says, adding that they do have to say no to some offers if they already have examples. “The things that are under-represented in the collection are early clothing, from the ‘20s and ‘30s,” she says.

Briony Beeby, left, and Katie Cameron wear 1970s M&S kaftans. Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme. The St Michael’s name was introduced as the M&S brand name in 1928 but, although the archive has some dressing gowns and stockings, it has little else. Menswear is also under-represented. “We are always on the lookout for unique pieces of menswear,” says Katie. “We did sell a pair of midnight blue velvet flares in 1969 for men, and if we ever found those, I would be very happy.”

There are more than 72,000 objects in the M&S Archive, most kept out of view although the visitor exhibits are changed regularly, so there is always something new to see. Katie says: “We have a strong room upstairs that is temperature and humidity-controlled – perfect archival storage conditions. At any one time, we can only have a small percentage of the archive on display, although researchers can book into the reading room to look at anything from the collection.

The M&S Archive is a very special place of learning, hosting school trips and providing hands-on, interactive, curriculum-linked workshops for all year groups, supporting a range of subject areas, including history, business, fashion,design and technology. The website hosts learning materials for schools and home educators.

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