Zine Collection
More than 200 zines from the 1970s to the present day
Overview
Originating in the 1970s, the term ‘zine’ came to represent a photocopied, non-commercial and non-professional publication. The zine has continued to flourish and the definition has expanded to accommodate the growth in different types and formats of independent publication.
The subject matter of zines is as varied as the interests of their creators and with a graphic style uninhibited by design conventions. The zines in our collection date from the arrival of the punk zine in the 1970s to the present day. We acquire zines principally for their visual content and design, with their subject matter being of secondary importance.
While still in its infancy, the ultimate aim of the Zine Collection is to demonstrate the growth of the zine as a means of creative self-expression, whilst also reflecting the diversity of thought and talent that exists outside traditional publishing.
The Zine Collection is not currently available to search online. To view it in person, you can either drop-in to the Reading Room during our opening hours or book an appointment in advance. If you’d like to bring your students to see some of the collection, enquire about a group visit.
Access the collection
Photography and Copyright
You can photograph our collections for personal study and research only. Just ask for a Photography Permission Form when you visit.
If you’re not able to visit us in person, we may be able to send you a scan or photograph of the item instead.
Contact us if you need an image for use in social media, print or online publication, or commercial purposes.
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