International Times: the Barry Miles archive

The archive contains a complete run of the International Times newspaper, plus administrative material such as correspondence between Barry Miles and John Hopkins.

The International Times collection is an archive of the first and longest lasting European underground newspaper. The newspaper ran from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s. Barry Miles was also the co-founder of Indica Books and Gallery.

Closely allied to The Beatles, who helped financially, the International Times covered everything from flying saucers to eastern mysticism, taking in contemporary music and literature. Contributors included William Burroughs, Alan Ginsberg, John Peel, Mal Dean and Jeff Nuttall. The iconic “IT Girl” logo appeared on the cover of each issue along with a striking graphic image.

The International Times archive

The International Times archive includes a complete run of the paper, along with editorial minutes and internal memos. The memos detail the finances, as well as the reaction to the police raids and take-over attempts that characterised the newspaper’s colourful history.

Of great interest are the letters sent between Barry Miles and co-founder John Hopkins. The letters were written while Hopkins was in prison, and provide insights into the practicalities of running an underground newspaper under the constant scrutiny of the authorities.

The collection is now available via our online catalogue. For further information please contact the LJMU Archivist.