Marks & Spencer is celebrating its 125th anniversary by exhibiting its treasured company archive to the public in partnership with the University of Leeds.

M&S, founded by Michael Marks from a stall in Leeds’ Kirkgate Market, has more than 60,000 archive items, including this picture taken in the 1940s shortly after the launch of self service.

M&S executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose said: “We have amassed a wonderful collection of products and memorabilia. We are delighted to be celebrating our Leeds roots by exhibiting part of our archive here.”

University of Leeds vice-chancellor Professor Michael Arthur said M&S was “part of this country’s economic, cultural and social fabric and of interest to scientists and historians alike”.

M&S and the university are discussing the permanent relocation of the archive to Leeds.