Posters, programmes, photos and newspaper cuttings will form part of a spectator exhibition at the ExCeL London – the Olympic venue where Judo events will be held until August 3.

The Bowen Collection was donated to the University’s Library by Richard ‘Dickie’ Bowen in 2004. It comprises a wide range of books and archival material relating to his extensive research into the origins and history of British Judo and its early exponents.

The collection includes posters, tournament and display programmes, minutes of meetings, working drafts, correspondence and photos assembled from various sources.

University archivist Lizzie Richmond said: “It’s an honour to be able to contribute, even in a small way, to the Olympics.

“Dickie was an accomplished judoka and competed internationally at the highest level. It’s fitting that the extraordinary archive he worked so hard to assemble and preserve is used in this way.”

Dickie Bowen was born in London in 1926. After taking up Judo in January 1949 he joined the Budokwai, the UK’s oldest club, where he received expert instruction in the sport.

In 1956 he was selected to represent Britain at the first World Judo Championships and went on to spend three years training at the Kodokan in Tokyo.

On his return to England, Bowen’s close association with the Budokwai, both as a judoka and as a committee member and Vice-President, continued and he also became actively involved with the British Judo Association.

Since its transfer to the Library the Bowen Collection has been consulted by academics, former world and Olympic judo champions, journalists, students and researchers from Europe, Japan and Israel, with reference to sports performance, the establishment of the European Judo Union, self-defence for women in 19th-century England and the application of various coaching methods over time.

Mr Robertson was taken round by Ged Roddy, Director of Sport, Councillor Malcolm Hanney, the Deputy Leader of B&NES Council, and Fabian Richter, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Bath. He later met Vice-Chancellor Professor Glynis Breakwell.

Mr Robertson’s visit on Monday, arranged by the University and the Council, was intended to learn more about the venue and the facilities that are available for sportsmen and sportswomen.

He said: “The University has magnificent sports facilities that are a credit to Bath and are deserving of their presence on the shortlist for hosting the UK Olympic Team. There is an incredible buzz of excitement around the campus about the outcome of the bid.

“What also impressed me was the highly inclusive nature of the facilities. Top track and field athletes train alongside students and residents from the local community, which is excellent to see.”

Mr Richter said: “Everyone in Bath hopes the University will be successful in its bid to host the UK Olympic Team. The benefits to our city and the University in terms of prestige and boosting the local economy are immeasurable.”

Councillor Hanney said: “The Council will be working on a cross-party basis with the local MP to support the University of Bath in its bid.”