It should be noted that The Morris Federation Archive is NOT a suitable repository for the long-term conservation of archive material. Whilst we may accept short-term responsibility for physical archives, our policy is to digitise relevant material and to place the originals to appropriate institutions or local Record Offices.
Formats
(i) Books and Periodicals
The Library will endeavour to acquire for its permanent collection monographs and serials that contribute to research about the history, theories, genres, styles, and performance of Morris in all its variety.
(ii) Paper-based Records
The Library will maintain collections about the history and development of The Morris Federation and The Women’s Morris Federation and its activities, including notes and associated catalogues of audiotapes, videotapes, motion pictures, photographs, and digital recordings made in the field and at workshops and instructionals.
(iii) Sound and Moving-Image Recordings
The Library will acquire sound and moving image recordings in any format that document Morris in context; the history, forms, functions, and/or styles of traditions.
(iv) Photographs
The Library will acquire original colour and black-and-white photographs in any format depicting traditional dance in context. In general, images of member sides will be of highest interest.
Collecting Priorities
A guiding principle for Morris Federation acquisitions is broad representation, both nationally and internationally, of Morris dancers and musicians, dance sides and related traditions. Areas in need of strengthening are:
(i) Original, unpublished field documentation (e.g., audio recordings, motion pictures, photographs, field notes) of Morris dance in the United Kingdom and abroad, and field documentation of related traditions in context, also in the United Kingdom and abroad.
(ii) Original, unpublished sound recordings, motion pictures, photographs, digital material, and other documentation of folk festivals and other public programs of national or international significance that feature traditional dancers and musicians, and other related performers.
(iii) Original, unpublished audio and video recordings of interviews with former dancers and musicians, including those who participated in Morris and related dance forms as schoolchildren.
Exclusion
In general, the Library does not collect three-dimensional artefacts (e.g., swords, garlands, costumes).
Materials that are not considered to be relevant to the history of Women dancing the Morris or to the history or function of The Morris Federation and the Women’s Morris Federation are generally not of high priority. Persons offering collections that do not meet this criterion may be advised to contact local or regional archives, museums or other appropriate repositories.
Last Updated: July 2026
