Thomas Cook historical archive - What future?

[Czesziafan]

One consequence of the sudden demise of Thomas Cook last weekend is what will become of their historical archive? It contains a unique wealth of detailed material covering the entire period of Cooks' existence, together with much original documentation on overseas railways and Wagons Lits, who owned Cooks from 1928 to 1972. The archivist, Mr Smith, was always most helpful and knowledgeable, but was made redundant some months ago, and the archive was placed in the care of the company's sales team.

The liquidators have a legal duty to realize the company's assets, which includes the archive, and the most likely outcome is that it will either be auctioned off and broken up, or simply consigned to the recycling bin. Sadly therefore it looks as though this fascinating resource of rare material will soon be gone for ever.

 

[duesselmartin]

I hope and assume the national archive would have a close look at it. That is how we would do it in Germany. The history of the company itself would be of national significant.
I Work in a municipal archive and we take great interest in the company history of our city.
Martin

 

[JonathanP]

Looks like the wheels are already in motion:

The Business Archives Council, through the Crisis Management Team for business archives, is coordinating a response to ensure that the Archive is secured for the future.

Who knew such a thing as "Crisis Management Team for business archives" existed? You learn something new everyday

 

[Czesziafan]

I hope it is saved and made accessible to all.

 

[theblackwatch]

Looks like the wheels are already in motion:

The Business Archives Council, through the Crisis Management Team for business archives, is coordinating a response to ensure that the Archive is secured for the future.

Who knew such a thing as "Crisis Management Team for business archives" existed? You learn something new everyday

That is excellent news - although, as you say, it is wheels in motion rather than secured at present. I must admit, I hadn't even head of the Business Archives Council, let alone their Crisis Management Team!

 

[Czesziafan]

Neither had I - I had visions of some bean-counter saying to him or herself " this is just old rubbish - bin it".