Among the hundreds of contributor collections we represent here at Mary Evans, some are so wide-ranging and eclectic, it can be difficult to sum them up in just a couple of short paragraphs. But this week, we're going to give it a go by turning the spotlight on the TP Archive. It's the result of years of collecting by Terry Parker, a dealer in prints, books, art and ephemera, whose intriguing discoveries through his network of fellow collectors and trips to antique and ephemera fairs, means we never know what a new submission might contain.

The archive's magpie-like mix of rarities spans different centuries, cultures and media, whether that's pin-up art, trade catalogues, music sheets, nursery illustrations, scrapbooks, vintage greetings cards, topographical views, magazine advertisements, royal portraits, games, posters or unusual photographs. Highlights include a spectacular set of caricatures of famous figures from nineteenth century satirical magazines, The Entr'acte and The Critic, a number of jolly Happy Families playing card sets, dazzling Christmas cracker box labels, theatre posters for pantomimes, leading productions and even a Sherlock Holmes play, beefy Edwardian footballers and dashing racing drivers from specialist books, and a set of photographs depicting Basra in Iraq during the First World War. The TP Archive is a collection that reminds us (if we needed reminding) why history is so endlessly fascinating.

To browse a joyful jumble from this stunning smorgasbord of history click here. And if you have any questions or research projects, do get in touch either by email to pictures@maryevans.com or by phoning 020 8318 0034.