Mass Observation Archive
@massobsarchive.bsky.social
An archive of everyday life, thought and feeling in the UK. Based at The Keep in East Sussex. Find out more at massobs.org.uk
Find out more: massobs.org.uk
Sign up to our mailing list: https://subscribe.emailblaster.cloud/MjEyMjQ/122.html
Find out more: massobs.org.uk
Sign up to our mailing list: https://subscribe.emailblaster.cloud/MjEyMjQ/122.html
Exciting news (well we think so)! We are looking for new people to regularly contribute to our archive!
We accept applications from anyone based in the UK who has an interest in sending us their thoughts and opinions about life in the UK.
#Skystorians
massobs.org.uk/write-for-th...
We accept applications from anyone based in the UK who has an interest in sending us their thoughts and opinions about life in the UK.
#Skystorians
massobs.org.uk/write-for-th...
Write for the archive - Mass Observation Archive
Writing for Mass Observation You can apply to write for the archive here. Current Observers If you are one of our current Observers you may find our handbook for new Observers helpful. This has all th...
massobs.org.uk
September 15, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Exciting news (well we think so)! We are looking for new people to regularly contribute to our archive!
We accept applications from anyone based in the UK who has an interest in sending us their thoughts and opinions about life in the UK.
#Skystorians
massobs.org.uk/write-for-th...
We accept applications from anyone based in the UK who has an interest in sending us their thoughts and opinions about life in the UK.
#Skystorians
massobs.org.uk/write-for-th...
A moment of appreciation please for this wonderful handknitted cardigan from our 1988 directive on clothing 👏👏 Kittens playing with yarn? A border of tiny mice? What's not to love!
September 1, 2026 at 1:53 PM
A moment of appreciation please for this wonderful handknitted cardigan from our 1988 directive on clothing 👏👏 Kittens playing with yarn? A border of tiny mice? What's not to love!
'Garner’s extensive use of Mass Observation diaries and File Reports provides glimpses into the excitement, uncertainty, exhaustion and sometimes indifference surrounding the election.' Read the full review on our blog!
massobs.org.uk/2026/08/17/r...
massobs.org.uk/2026/08/17/r...
Review of 'Landslide' by Robert Garner - Mass Observation Archive
By Ella Beales Robert Garner’s Landslide is a partly fictionalised account of the 1945 General Election. This unconventional approach, known as creative non-fiction*, combines extensive historical res...
massobs.org.uk
August 24, 2026 at 11:07 AM
'Garner’s extensive use of Mass Observation diaries and File Reports provides glimpses into the excitement, uncertainty, exhaustion and sometimes indifference surrounding the election.' Read the full review on our blog!
massobs.org.uk/2026/08/17/r...
massobs.org.uk/2026/08/17/r...
We are nearing the end of our 12th May cataloguing and we've particularly enjoyed some of the drawings and doodles we've found amongst all the diaries!
August 18, 2026 at 3:21 PM
We are nearing the end of our 12th May cataloguing and we've particularly enjoyed some of the drawings and doodles we've found amongst all the diaries!
We've just sent our latest directive out! Our three topics this time are 'Wealthy and the Rich', 'Corruption' and 'Books'. You can read the full directive, including info on our comissioners and collaborators, over on our website: massobs.org.uk/pastdirectiv...
List of past directives - Mass Observation Archive
massobs.org.uk
July 30, 2026 at 2:09 PM
We've just sent our latest directive out! Our three topics this time are 'Wealthy and the Rich', 'Corruption' and 'Books'. You can read the full directive, including info on our comissioners and collaborators, over on our website: massobs.org.uk/pastdirectiv...
We've been a bit quiet recently whilst we've been busy cataloguing all the wonderful 12th May diaries we received! We're pleased to say we've finished cataloguing all 287 diaries that were submitted via our online form 😅 If you're interested in viewing them, drop us an email! 💻
July 16, 2026 at 10:29 AM
We've been a bit quiet recently whilst we've been busy cataloguing all the wonderful 12th May diaries we received! We're pleased to say we've finished cataloguing all 287 diaries that were submitted via our online form 😅 If you're interested in viewing them, drop us an email! 💻
Woman's Own 1952 really putting a pep in our step this Monday morning...
June 8, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Woman's Own 1952 really putting a pep in our step this Monday morning...
In 1947, as Europe was recovering from the Second World War, there was uproar. Was this a reaction to a political scandal? Was this caused by the economic fallout of the war? The answer may surprise you. Our placement student Amy from @qmul.bsky.social investigates! massobs.org.uk/2026/06/03/w...
June 3, 2026 at 3:25 PM
In 1947, as Europe was recovering from the Second World War, there was uproar. Was this a reaction to a political scandal? Was this caused by the economic fallout of the war? The answer may surprise you. Our placement student Amy from @qmul.bsky.social investigates! massobs.org.uk/2026/06/03/w...
We're currently up to just under 500 12th May diaries 😅 So far 156 have come in the post, but only ONE has had a wax seal
May 28, 2026 at 2:55 PM
We're currently up to just under 500 12th May diaries 😅 So far 156 have come in the post, but only ONE has had a wax seal
We had 12 college students with us yesterday for a crash course in archive work!
At the end of the day we asked them what their highlights were, and here they are in their own words:
At the end of the day we asked them what their highlights were, and here they are in their own words:
May 19, 2026 at 4:09 PM
We had 12 college students with us yesterday for a crash course in archive work!
At the end of the day we asked them what their highlights were, and here they are in their own words:
At the end of the day we asked them what their highlights were, and here they are in their own words:
These pictures come from Natalie, a PhD student in social anthropology at @manchester.ac.uk conducting 12-months ethnographic fieldwork in the tourist and entertainment industry in Blackpool.
Natalie has been out and about promoting our 12th May diary day as part of her research!
Natalie has been out and about promoting our 12th May diary day as part of her research!
May 12, 2026 at 10:49 AM
These pictures come from Natalie, a PhD student in social anthropology at @manchester.ac.uk conducting 12-months ethnographic fieldwork in the tourist and entertainment industry in Blackpool.
Natalie has been out and about promoting our 12th May diary day as part of her research!
Natalie has been out and about promoting our 12th May diary day as part of her research!
8.30, Me in my bed. 11.50, Me in my car. 11.55, Me ate the sea. 4.15, Me on my trampoline. 5.20, Me having a Barecyuw. 8.15.
May 11, 2026 at 9:41 AM
8.30, Me in my bed. 11.50, Me in my car. 11.55, Me ate the sea. 4.15, Me on my trampoline. 5.20, Me having a Barecyuw. 8.15.
If you weren't able to make it to our online talk yesterday with Stella Moss and Phyllis Macfarlane from @amsruk.bsky.social (and kindly chaired by @historitage.bsky.social), do not fear! You can catch up on all you missed on our YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
#skystorians
#skystorians
The Way We Lived Then Post ‑War to the 1970s – Gender, Generation and Change - YouTube
A series of talks exploring the ways that women's drinking habits and use of pubs has changed from the Second World War to the 1970s and how different consum...
www.youtube.com
May 7, 2026 at 2:06 PM
If you weren't able to make it to our online talk yesterday with Stella Moss and Phyllis Macfarlane from @amsruk.bsky.social (and kindly chaired by @historitage.bsky.social), do not fear! You can catch up on all you missed on our YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
#skystorians
#skystorians
A reminder that we have this event coming up in conjunction with @amsruk.bsky.social which is sure to be fascinating!
www.eventbrite.com/e/1982182572...
www.eventbrite.com/e/1982182572...
The Way We Lived Then: Post‑War to the 1970s Gender, Generation and Change
Learn more about the ways our lives changed from the end of the war to the 1970s, exploring gender and generation changes.
www.eventbrite.com
April 22, 2026 at 10:46 AM
A reminder that we have this event coming up in conjunction with @amsruk.bsky.social which is sure to be fascinating!
www.eventbrite.com/e/1982182572...
www.eventbrite.com/e/1982182572...
Our national diary day is getting closer! This year we are keen to hear thoughts and feelings about nature and wellbeing, in addition to the day to day. We accept handwritten and typed diaries, but also photography and sketches, or other creative approaches!
#diary #sketch #photography #journalling
#diary #sketch #photography #journalling
April 20, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Our national diary day is getting closer! This year we are keen to hear thoughts and feelings about nature and wellbeing, in addition to the day to day. We accept handwritten and typed diaries, but also photography and sketches, or other creative approaches!
#diary #sketch #photography #journalling
#diary #sketch #photography #journalling
What are your favourite songs? What memories do they bring up? This creative writing workshop, designed by students from @sussex.ac.uk, is going to be great! Not only will you get to see our materials but you'll also take part in some guided writing exercises and leave with your own keepsake!
April 8, 2026 at 11:35 AM
What are your favourite songs? What memories do they bring up? This creative writing workshop, designed by students from @sussex.ac.uk, is going to be great! Not only will you get to see our materials but you'll also take part in some guided writing exercises and leave with your own keepsake!
It’s nearly time for our national diary day! Every 12th May we ask people to write down what they got up to. This year we’re also really interested in experiences of nature and wellbeing, as well as what else you get up to on the day! #diary #journal #nature #skystorians #write #Archive
April 1, 2026 at 11:30 AM
In her new article Tracey Loughran uses MO to see how
five women narrate their experiences fertility problems prior to development of IVF. It's a fascinating read! Find it here: academic.oup.com/shm/advance-...
five women narrate their experiences fertility problems prior to development of IVF. It's a fascinating read! Find it here: academic.oup.com/shm/advance-...
Stories Without Pattern, Lives at the Edge: The Mass Observation Project and Emotional Histories of In/Fertility Before IVF
Abstract. Very little is known about the experience of infertility before the successful deployment of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in the late 1970s. It i
academic.oup.com
March 30, 2026 at 9:41 AM
In her new article Tracey Loughran uses MO to see how
five women narrate their experiences fertility problems prior to development of IVF. It's a fascinating read! Find it here: academic.oup.com/shm/advance-...
five women narrate their experiences fertility problems prior to development of IVF. It's a fascinating read! Find it here: academic.oup.com/shm/advance-...
Yesterday we sent out our latest directive! For Spring 2026 we have a combination of collaborative topics and in-house questions. Part one is a collaboration with Dr Ellen Pilsworth from @uniofreading.bsky.social, and is on 'Seeking Asylum', part of a 4-year research project, 'Nation of Refuge'.
March 26, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Yesterday we sent out our latest directive! For Spring 2026 we have a combination of collaborative topics and in-house questions. Part one is a collaboration with Dr Ellen Pilsworth from @uniofreading.bsky.social, and is on 'Seeking Asylum', part of a 4-year research project, 'Nation of Refuge'.
We're excited for this online talk! We'll be hearing from Ben Highmore (Emeritus Professor of Cultural Studies, @sussex.ac.uk), Phyllis MacFarlane (Head of Content, @amsruk.bsky.social) & Stella Moss (Lecturer in Modern
British History, @royalholloway.bsky.social ). Book here: tinyurl.com/37sdd74x
British History, @royalholloway.bsky.social ). Book here: tinyurl.com/37sdd74x
The Way We Lived Then: Post‑War to the 1970s Gender, Generation and Change
Learn more about the ways our lives changed from the end of the war to the 1970s, exploring gender and generation changes.
tinyurl.com
March 24, 2026 at 3:11 PM
We're excited for this online talk! We'll be hearing from Ben Highmore (Emeritus Professor of Cultural Studies, @sussex.ac.uk), Phyllis MacFarlane (Head of Content, @amsruk.bsky.social) & Stella Moss (Lecturer in Modern
British History, @royalholloway.bsky.social ). Book here: tinyurl.com/37sdd74x
British History, @royalholloway.bsky.social ). Book here: tinyurl.com/37sdd74x
Reposted by Mass Observation Archive
New paper:
Mass Observing British Politics
On what Mass Observation might contribute to political studies (and what political studies might contribute to Mass Observation). With @jmoss88.bsky.social and Alex Hill. Also paging @massobsarchive.bsky.social
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Mass Observing British Politics
On what Mass Observation might contribute to political studies (and what political studies might contribute to Mass Observation). With @jmoss88.bsky.social and Alex Hill. Also paging @massobsarchive.bsky.social
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Mass Observing British politics - British Politics
British Politics - The current political moment in Britain is characterised by disaffection, affective polarisation, and populist mobilisation of these (dis)affections. How best to research these...
link.springer.com
March 9, 2026 at 12:15 PM
New paper:
Mass Observing British Politics
On what Mass Observation might contribute to political studies (and what political studies might contribute to Mass Observation). With @jmoss88.bsky.social and Alex Hill. Also paging @massobsarchive.bsky.social
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Mass Observing British Politics
On what Mass Observation might contribute to political studies (and what political studies might contribute to Mass Observation). With @jmoss88.bsky.social and Alex Hill. Also paging @massobsarchive.bsky.social
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
The banana, the foodiest fruit of all! Unzipp one today!
March 3, 2026 at 3:19 PM
The banana, the foodiest fruit of all! Unzipp one today!
Something new has appeared on our AM Digital resource 🧐Instead of stopping at 2009, documents are now available up to 2019! 98 boxes of material went away to be digitised and are now available through the AM digital resource.
March 2, 2026 at 11:33 AM
Something new has appeared on our AM Digital resource 🧐Instead of stopping at 2009, documents are now available up to 2019! 98 boxes of material went away to be digitised and are now available through the AM digital resource.
Reposted by Mass Observation Archive
Thanks to @massobsarchive.bsky.social for hosting our University of Brighton students yesterday for LGBTQ History Month!
We heard abt their growing archive of everyday queer life in the UK, and saw loads of incredible historical materials 🏳️🌈
Thanks also to @ctsgbrighton.bsky.social for organising!
We heard abt their growing archive of everyday queer life in the UK, and saw loads of incredible historical materials 🏳️🌈
Thanks also to @ctsgbrighton.bsky.social for organising!
February 26, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Thanks to @massobsarchive.bsky.social for hosting our University of Brighton students yesterday for LGBTQ History Month!
We heard abt their growing archive of everyday queer life in the UK, and saw loads of incredible historical materials 🏳️🌈
Thanks also to @ctsgbrighton.bsky.social for organising!
We heard abt their growing archive of everyday queer life in the UK, and saw loads of incredible historical materials 🏳️🌈
Thanks also to @ctsgbrighton.bsky.social for organising!
Assuming we're all bringing this same energy to our Monday mornings?
February 23, 2026 at 12:43 PM
Assuming we're all bringing this same energy to our Monday mornings?