The contents of the archive reflect Sharp’s life-long interest and examination of the work of the architectural firm, Connell, Ward & Lucas, who are regarded as pioneers of the modernist movement in England in the 1930s. Sharp’s research culminated in a publication, co-authored with Sally Rendel in 2008, ‘Connell Ward & Lucas: modern movement architects in England 1929-1939’, which was supported by a grant from the Centre. 

Alongside Sharp’s own research papers, the archive contains original documents from the Connell, Ward & Lucas practice, including architectural drawings, photographs, correspondence and advertising material, dating from the 1930s.
 
Of particular significance are the individual project files covering almost all of the buildings designed by the three architects. These include some of their most famous work, such as High and Over, 66 Frognal and Greenside. The collection is particularly rich in photographs and published articles which document the changing appearance and public reception of the buildings over the years.
 
The Dennis Sharp Archive is a hugely important acquisition for the Centre as it is the first collection to focus exclusively on modernist architecture. We anticipate that it will become a valuable resource for scholars from across the field of art and architecture and also help to stimulate a renewed engagement with modern British architecture more generally.
 
The catalogue for the Dennis Sharp Archive is full text searchable and illustrated with over 100 digital images (scans of the items themselves).