About the Collection The Sainsbury Archive documents the history of Sainsbury's from its foundation in Drury Lane in 1869, but also provides a unique record of the transformation that has occurred in retailing since the mid-19th century, and the impact of these changes on society.
The core of the archive was formed at the time of the company's centenary in 1969 and has steadily grown to more than 700 linear metres of shelving, including documents, objects (ranging from food preparation and testing equipment to product packaging and staff uniforms), photographs and audiovisual material.
The collection includes a large number of photographs and artefacts and is particularly strong in the areas of product packaging, advertising and retail stores.
However, the archive also includes key company records such as reports and accounts and press releases, as well as material relating to all aspects of the business, including head office operations, food supply, production and distribution, subsidiary companies and staff records.
In recent years, as part of a major digitisation project, over 120,000 images have been made available and accessible via the Archive website which receives over 250,000 hits per year.
What we hold The Archive is a rich resource for specialist and general research on a wide range of topics including: Business and retail history Shopping and eating habits Architecture and urban development Advertising, display, packaging and product design Local and family history About the Archive In 2003 the Sainsbury Archive was set up as an independent charity and in 2005, relocated to the London Museum Docklands in Canary Wharf.
The object of The Sainsbury Archive is to advance education for the public benefit by collecting, maintaining and displaying items and documents relating to the history of Sainsbury's and the family of John James Sainsbury.
The collection is currently curated by the Museum of London and is in the process of a potential relocation to a new site at Smithfield, London.
The Sainsbury Archive The Sainsbury Archive is a charitable company (charity number 1096454).
Charitable Objects The Charity's objects (THE "OBJECTS") are to advance education for the public benefit by the preservation, storage and maintenance of the collection of the books, manuscripts, letters, documents, objects, artefacts, miscellaneous materials and papers which together for the historical archives of the family of John James Sainsbury and the company founded by John James Sainsbury now called J Sainsbury PLC (Formerly J Sainsbury and then J Sainsbury Limited) ("THE SAINSBURY ARCHIVE") as a discreet archive for study by historians, scholars and other persons as the charity shall think appropriate.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for at least one Trustee to join us to continue to build the capacity and diversity of our Board.
We are particularly looking for a Trustee who has the necessary experience to support our focus on education and outreach and/or has experience of running an Archive of significant size.
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experience and have identified some areas we would like to have help with emphasis on the engagement portfolio of the Archive.
We welcome applications from a variety of backgrounds, especially those who are under-represented on our own board and across the heritage sector.
Trustee Profile As a Board member, you will play a key role in the structure and further development of the Sainsbury Archive core activity, working directly with the Chair and other members of the Board and stakeholders.
Trustees come from varied backgrounds who jointly take responsibility for ensuring that the Sainsbury Archive is well-run and that it delivers its charitable aims.
The culture of the Board is positive, friendly and inclusive.
We recognise that each member of the Board brings their own expertise, experience and skill set to the work of The Sainsbury Archive, so while an interest in, or commitment to the heritage sector is essential, we are keen to consider a wider range of varied professional and lived experience, new perspectives and sound judgment.
Role Type This is a voluntary role and there is no payment for Board members (other than reasonable expenses).
We welcome specialist knowledge or skills in one of these areas relevant to the work and objectives of the Sainsbury Archive.
Please note these are not listed in priority order: Developing and delivering learning and education services and activities to adults, children and young people, which promote inclusion, equal opportunities and diversity.
Delivering activities that increase visitor and online access.
Expanding the potential of the Archive's collections as a resource for lifelong learning.
Experience in running / managing an online Archive of significant scale.
Liaising with universities and other organisations in order to deliver joint-venture projects.
Archive, museum or library experience.