Photographic collections FAQ
How do I find out what photographs the Library holds?
There are a series of slip indices giving details of many of the collections. Some, however, are not indexed, and you will need the assistance of a member of staff. (It is always a good idea to contact us in advance if you are coming in with a photographic enquiry.) We also have an ever- increasing number of the photographs available electronically, and the database can be used either in the Library, or via the internet. For further details, see the Photographic Collections page.
Can I obtain copies of photographs held in the Library?
Yes. Digital copies are available for purchase for by the public for private use, research purposes, and commercial use. We no longer provide a print service, but are happy to forward you a web-link to the digital image(s) which can be accessed by your preferred printing supplier. Permission to reproduce the images in print, online, or in any other format require specific authorisation and will incur additional charges.
Am I allowed to borrow images, for publication or other purposes?
No. We do not lend out images. We will, however, supply copies in electronic form, of a quality suitable for all publication purposes. You will have to bear the cost of the copy, and perhaps also a reproduction fee. No reproduction of our images is permissible, however, without specific written authorisation from us. For further details, please refer to the Commercial Activities page.
Is it possible to date a Valentine postcard?
If the card has a reference number on it (typically in the lower right hand corner), we will usually be able to supply you with the year in which the image was registered for use. This is not always an accurate date for the photograph, but is usually a useful guide. We also have a booklet for sale (£5), which briefly describes the Valentine collection, and provides a helpful guide to dating the pictures. See How to contact us.
Can I come in to look through the Valentine Postcard Collection?
Not really! This is a question we are often asked, not only in regard to the Valentine Collection, but the other photographic collections as well. The Valentine Collection is not a postcard collection: it is the image archive, containing the images - in many different formats - which Valentines used in their various publication activities. Like the other photographic collections, the Valentine material exists in a wide variety of image-types, and a high proportion of it is in negative form only. It is not possible, therefore, simply to browse through it. Our series of indices (and, increasingly, the database) will help you identify images in which you might be interested, and you will then either be able to look at the image electronically or be shown the original. The moral is, know what you want before you visit us, book an appointment to consult specific material, and be prepared to spend some time!