The papers consist of letters, notes, newspaper clippings, photographs, concert programmes and music scores mainly relating to Joseph Joachim. Most of the records date from the later part of his life and after his death. Other members of his family are mentioned too, in particular his wife Amalie Joachim and his nephew Harold Henry Joachim, as well as his grand-nieces Jelly d'Arányi and Adila Fachiri.

The collection contains descriptions of Joseph Joachim’s character by his relatives, photographs of him in a private setting, extensive correspondence with his nephew Harold, leaflets and newspaper clippings on important events such as Jubilee celebrations and commemorative concerts (including the 40th anniversary of his first debut in England in 1884, his Diamond Jubilee on the 4th of May 1904, and several concerts and events for his 100th anniversary in 1931), and information on his descendants and his legacy.