Hopefully this is an appropriate subreddit for a "source finding" question!
As part of my postgraduate research, I am hunting for Gallup polls (or any political polls, really...) from the period 1945-1955. They do exist, (their key findings are listed in books such as Anthony King's British Political Opinion); but I want to access the raw data so I can compare different variables from the polls.
Despite spending some time searching, the furthest back I can find are a database on ukdataservice; but this only extends as far back as 1958 (and only includes selected polls anyway). There are also some from the British Institute of Public Opinion from the 1930s and 1940s; but they only go up to 1946. Strangely, I can't find anything at all from 1946-1958. Sadly, the British Election Studies only start in 1964; so these polls are really crucial if they can be found.
Any ideas would be deeply, deeply appreciated! Thanks.
Have you tried calling Gallup directly? They may charge for access to the material. You can also try your university library - ask the staff, don't just rely on a catalogue. Look in a number of different sections - journals, reference, microfilm.
It is unlikely that the information that old has been digitised. If you can find it then it will be on paper or microfilm