George Formby has hit the top 30 again

The world famous Formby hit ‘Chinese Laundry Blues’, originally rejected by George as it was deemed slightly risqué for the times - has been recognised as one of the ‘top 30’ archives in the North West.

Staff at the University’s Rare Book Archive nominated the 78rpm record of 1932 and it was chosen by a panel of expert judges to be included in the North West Archival Treasury - a ‘top 30’ of the most important achieves from across the region.

The record is one of the most recent additions to the respected Jack Hylton Archive at Lancaster University Library and Helen Clish, from the Rare Book Archive said “this is just one of the wealth of fascinating archive items we hold. We’re eager to open our doors to everyone and show that archives are an intriguing insight into the region’s history”.

The North West Archives Festival - jointly led by the North West Museums Libraries and Archives Council (NWMLAC) and the North West Regional Archive Council (NWRAC) - is the first time archives services, libraries, museums and community groups have celebrated the region’s history together.

Lancaster University’s Rare Book Archive and Peter Scott Gallery and Lancaster Record Office are part of the 30-strong partners involved in the North West Achieve Festival.

The announcement of the ‘top 30’ archives - including such rarities as the only known first-class Titanic ticket - has kick-started the North West Archives’ Festival - a month long celebration of the region’s archives running throughout September.