This unique collection documents the links between Britain and countries in the British Empire from the late nineteenth century to recent times. The household belongings, souvenirs, photographs and papers of British people who lived and worked in the colonies give an insight into the workings of empire and the lives of the people who made it function. We make these sources available to help people and communities worldwide to explore difficult, forgotten or hidden histories from their own perspectives. The majority of the collection was previously held by the former British Empire & Commonwealth Museum in Bristol. There is also a large number of artworks within the collection which were originally gathered by the Commonwealth Institute in London (now the Design Museum, Kensington High Street). Starting in the 1960s, the Commonwealth Institute showcased exhibitions featuring works by artists from the Commonwealth – many of whom would not have been given the same platform in public gallery spaces as their European counterparts. This effort resulted in a remarkable collection of works by notable artists from Commonwealth countries, including Aubrey Williams, Sam Ntiro, Jimo Akolo, Ladi Kwali, George Keyt, Mukul Dey, and many others.