1. Scope
This document sets out how the Jencks Foundation at The Comic House provides access to its collections.
The principal aim of the Jencks Foundation is to maintain the integrity of Charles and Maggie Jencks’ vision for The Cosmic House while adapting this, where appropriate, so that the house continues to evolve as a place of educational and public interest. Designed between 1978-1982 by the architectural historian, writer and landscape designer Charles Jencks for himself and his family, it is a Post-Modern landmark, a densely-layered palimpsest of meaning, myth, symbolism, cosmology and culture. Charles was responsible for defining, developing and disseminating Post-Modernism in architecture and this remarkable building is the movement’s spiritual home. It houses an extensive archive of Post-Modernist materials in a striking array of purpose-built furniture, fittings and spaces which were themselves the background to the debate. The Cosmic House is also the place where the idea for the Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres was conceived (by Maggie and Charles Jencks) and it features elements by some of the best-known names of late twentieth century architecture including Michael Graves, Piers Gough and Sir Terry Farrell. In addition, there are a series of specially commissioned artworks by artists including Eduardo Paolozzi, Allen Jones and Celia Scott. The archive is comprised of three general content areas: Charles’ work as a writer, critic, historian and designer of architecture; his work as a designer of cosmic land art installations in the UK and abroad; and his output as co-founder of the Maggies Cancer Caring Centres.
2. Access to our collections
We operate an inclusive access policy for using the collections at The Cosmic House, whilst ensuring that the safety and security of the collections, staff and visitors are maintained at all times.
The Cosmic House is open to the public for tours, exhibitions and events. Due to space restrictions, access is via timed ticket. The dates for ticket release are communicated in advance via our newsletter and social media.
Charles’ Archive is available for research by appointment. We welcome any interested researchers to use the Archive, regardless of background, age or credentials. Research appointments are available on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10.30am to 5.30pm. Due to staffing and space restrictions, research appointments must be made a minimum of two weeks in advance.
To arrange a research appointment, please contact us at archive@thecosmichouse.org and let us know the dates that you are hoping to come in, a little about the subject you are researching and the information you are hoping to find. If you are a student or writer with a deadline, please include this information so that we can try our best to accommodate you within that timeframe.
Charles’ Archive includes his extensive library, relating to architecture, post-modernism and cosmology, many of which are heavily annotated. The majority of these books are more easily accessible through research libraries such as the British Library, the RIBA library and the National Art Library at the V&A. Priority for access will therefore be given to those who are researching Charles’ response to the text, rather than the text itself.
3. Research Appointments
In advance of your visit, we will send and ask you to sign our Conditions of Access Agreement. This sets out the rules for visiting the house, good practice guidelines for the handling of archive material and your obligations with regards to Data Protection and Copyright legislation. The information contained in these forms is used to generate statistics and to guide policy, and will be stored securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
On the day of your research appointment, please ring the doorbell at the main entrance to the house and ask for the Archivist. There are limited facilities for storage so please contact us in advance if you anticipate having bulky luggage with you. Research appointments usually take place in the Architectural Library, which is reached via a spiral staircase. Alternative arrangements can be made for researchers who are unable to access this space.
In order to preserve the Archive we do not allow pens, food, or drink while researching. Note-taking or sketching with pencils is encouraged and we have charging points for laptops. You are welcome to bring a digital camera and any other device which does not require direct contact with the documents.
4. Remote Access
Information about our collections, and selected digitised content will be made available via both the Cosmic House website http://www.jencksfoundation.org/ and our online catalogue https://jencksfoundation.maxarchiveservices.co.uk/.
5. Access to uncatalogued material
The collections are currently being catalogued and we are not yet aware of their full extent and content. Where research enquiries relate to uncatalogued portions of the collections we will do our best to help but cannot provide assurances that we have identified all relevant material. Access to uncatalogued material is provided at the discretion of the Archivist.
6. Legislation
As a private charity, the Jencks Foundation is not required to provide access to the collections other than to comply with its legal obligations, specifically under Charities Act 2011, Companies Act 2006, and Data Protection Act 2018. The Data Protection Act 2018 also requires restrictions to materials containing personal data. Decisions on access are made by the Director and Archivist. If you are the data subject you may request access as per the legislation (see https://www.jencksfoundation.org/terms-and-privacy-policy for details)
7. Feedback
We welcome feedback from researchers regarding our onsite and online access provision. If you have a suggestion, comment or complaint, please email us at info@thecosmichouse.com