London Metropolitan Archives

tinahodgkinson

05 Aug 2017

Step Free + Helpful Staff, Great Choice for London Research and Interesting, Small Exhibitions and Events

5

5

Date of visit: August 2017

I have experience of challenges around: moving around

Overall Rating

Excellent

London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) is the principal local government archive repository for the Greater London area, including the City of London and one of the largest archives in the UK. It has documents, images, maps, films and books about London dating back to 1067. LMA is free to visit and after registering for a free History Card you are able to gain access to original documents. There is a small gallery where free, temporary exhibitions are held. LMA also hold a regular programme of events throughout the year, many of which are free to attend. Many of the services are free but there is a cost for some activities.

Disabled Access In and Around

Excellent

LMA is step free. The main door has a push button to enter and there is a lift which goes to the mezzanine floor, where the lockers and coat racks are located, and the first floor, for the study area, exhibition space and meeting rooms. In the public areas there are free standing tables and chairs. Their website says staff will move furniture to improve access. Guide dogs are welcome. There are induction loops at the Information Area desk and throughout the main meeting room. Staff have received Deaf Awareness training from the Royal Association for the Deaf. Microfilm readers have a zoom lens and magnifying glasses are also available. The exhibition space, which is located next to the lift on the first floor, has lower levels of lighting due to the documents displayed there, and this may cause a difficulty for some people.

Parking & Transport

Excellent

I travelled by public transport. LMA is close to 3 tube stations, King's Cross and Farringdon are both step free and Angel has escalators between street and platform level. Bus numbers 19, 38, 55, 63, 153, 243 and 341 stop nearby and then it is about a 5 minutes walk. A parking space can be pre-booked for Blue Badge holders.

Accessible Toilets

Excellent

Public toilets are on the first floor and there is an accessible toilet, which was spacious and clean. It has grab rails and an emergency cord.

Staff

Excellent

All the staff were very welcoming, friendly and helpful. They are very knowledgeable about the collection.

Additional Information

Although I'm not front of house, I do work for LMA. However in my free time I visited the exhibition and the views are my own opinion, as a person with a disability. The current exhibition until 6 December 2017 is Life on the London Stage. There's documents, pictures, photographs, video film and information panels. It's well presented and there are some extra pictures on the staircase leading up to the first floor exhibition, so if you use the lift you will miss seeing these. A couple of minutes from LMA is Exmouth Market, semi-pedestrianised street with lots of cafes and restaurants.