The collection illustrates Chick's studies and apprenticeship; his career; his research work on accelerators; and his interest in controlled thermonuclear reactors. Papers from his time at the University of Surrey illustrate his commitment to collaboration with industry and the continuing development and education of engineers. The papers consist of notes, memoranda and correspondence, research notebooks, texts of lectures, talks and conference presentations, newspaper cuttings and published papers by Chick and others including D Gabor, Sir John Cockcroft, T E Allibone and Sir George Thomson.