Ms Thomas informs us that there are 300 boxes of material (!), that they have had a quick look at the contents, and that there is a great deal of work to be done before it will be ready for researchers’ access. Moreover, for this work to be done she estimates they will need £55,000 (about USD 70,000 or 60,000 Euros).
This, of course, gives us all furiously to think: it is hardly chickenfeed. I have put her in touch with a fundraiser of my acquaintance; and if anyone has any experience of modern “crowdfunding” that would be good to know. The Archive’s being in Bodley is already a great step; but if it remains in boxes or otherwise inaccessible for lack of proper care, preservation, sorting, cataloguing etc., its presence there will not be of use to scholars or the public.