Visit Our Permanent Exhibition

Ongoing

We'll be closed from Thursday 8th December for refurbishment. Our new-look exhibition opens in February 2023 - watch this space!

The M&S Archive exhibition celebrates the role that Marks & Spencer has played in peoples' lives for over 135 years. Here, you can explore the development and impact M&S has had on the social history of Britain. From boardroom battles to staff welfare, from puddings to pants, the exhibition explores how M&S has led the way in innovation, quality and service.

Featuring unique artefacts, historic garments and films and photographs from the Archive, the exhibition tracks the journey from market stall to Penny Bazaar to international retailer. M&S is woven into the fabric of the UK - from the clothes we wear to the food we eat. Which of your M&S favourites will you discover?

Click here to plan your visit

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 10am-4pm

Location

M&S Company Archive
Michael Marks Building
University of Leeds
Leeds
LS2 9JT (LS2 9LP for Sat Nav)

company.archive@marks-and-spencer.com

Mailing List

Join (or leave) our mailing list here

Comments

Add your comment...

Lynne Brook, Leeds

Saturday 23 March

do we have to book a time to visit, and how much is the entrance fee

Company Archive, Leeds

Monday 25 March

Hi Lynne, there's no need to book and we're free to visit. Hope to see you soon!

Maggie Keogh, Birmingham

Tuesday 9 April

I have a lovely red blouse with a paisley part On it stand up collar and large diamond buttons it's about 35 to 40ty years old .perfect condition are you interested in it for you exhibition

Company Archive, Leeds

Thursday 11 April

Hi Maggie, we'd love to know more about your blouse. Please could you email us some photos at company.archive@marks-and-spencer.com?

MRS Jackie Barrett, Plymouth.

Sunday 24 May

Hi came across a photograph of models from 1947. And one of the models looks like my mum, we know she did some modeling but was really a seamstress, how can I find out for definite .Her name was Josephine Anderson

Archive Team, Leeds

Thursday 27 August

Hi Jackie, I'm afraid we don't know the names of the models in that photo but we do know that employees often modeled clothing at that time - so it's possible!

Sarah , Leicester

Sunday 11 October

Hi I’ve worked for the company since 19 June 1989 at fosse park store can you tell me how many uniforms I would of had please think it’s 5-6 ?

Fiona Holliman, Cheshire

Sunday 29 November

Would you be interested in a pink 1950s St Michael's nylon bedjacket for your collection?

The Archive Team, Leeds

Tuesday 1 December

Hi Fiona, it would be good to hear more about your bedjacket. If you could email us at company.archive@marksandspencer.com with a photo that would be great. Many thanks!

Katja Barron, Somercotes, Derbyshire

Tuesday 27 April

Hi. I have several pieces of the viscose knitwear range of matching tunics, jacket, dresses, trousers from the mid 1990s. They're in very good condition. Would these be of interest to you?

Archive Team, Leeds

Thursday 29 April

Hi Katja, your 1990s items sound really interesting. Please could you email us at company.archive@marks-and-spencer.com with some more details/photos so we can investigate further? Many thanks, the Archive Team.

Irene, Chelmsford

Monday 21 March

Hi I have a vhs of The Transformers mid eighties is it of any interest to you?

Juie, Manchester

Saturday 26 March

Hi I just to make m&s cloths in a factory in manchester

Karen Hanks, LA12 9AT Ulverston Cumbria

Thursday 28 July

Cumbria Westmorland Federation of WIs would like to visit on November 22nd. There will be 40+. Do we need to book?

Archive Team, Leeds

Wednesday 10 August

Hi Karen, Yes, you will need to book for a group visit of that size. Please could you email us at company.archive@mands.com so that we can get back to you. Best wishes, the Archive team.

Mary Hayward, York

Wednesday 24 August

I have a number of M&S cookery books in excellent condition all 40 or more years old. Would they be of interest to your archive?

Archive Team, Leeds

Thursday 25 August

Hi Mary, many thanks for your offer, we're not taking any more cookery books at the moment but thank you for thinking of us. Best wishes, the Archive team

adam, d'

Tuesday 6 September

love it

Alison , Newcastle

Monday 23 January

Hi I have a st Michaels 1950s fur hat with a stamp underneath the lining and numbers 6636 written on and written on is martins registered trade mark AF GRT BRITAIN stamped on also

Archive Team, Leeds

Tuesday 24 January

Hi Alison, your hat sounds really interesting. If you're interested in donating it to the archive please could you send us some photos at archive@mands.com and we'll be able to get back to you. Many thanks, the Archive team

Liz, Leeds

Tuesday 31 January

Are you open this Saturday 4th Feb?

Archive Team, Leeds

Wednesday 1 February

Hi Liz, We're open to the public from Monday 6th Feb, and we'll be open on the second Saturday of every month too - the first Saturday will be the 11th Feb. Best wishes, the Archive team