The archive includes images dating as far back as 1885. Picture courtesy British Library
A 120-year archive documenting the history of photography in the UK has been donated to the British Library and Leicester’s De Montfort University by industry giant Kodak.
Described as “a treasure trove of primary material for historians and researchers,” the collection includes financial ledgers from 1885 and catalogues, newsletters, calendars and other rarities dating from 1928.
The gift comes at an important time for the British Library and De Montfort University. Picture courtesy British Library
Kodak Chairman Julian Baust said the bequest could be traced back to the opening of the first Kodak offices in Soho Square. “Kodak Limited is very excited to be relocating our valuable archive over to The British Library, where it will be available to historians and researchers alike,” he announced. “The Archive contains some excellent photographs from Kodak’s history.”
The pictures have been credited with "charting the history of photography" in the UK. Picture courtesy British Library
When the holdings were established in 1977 they were divided between items significant to the history of photography – which were given to the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television at Bradford in 1985 – and those relating to the company.
The archive was founded more than 20 years. Picture courtesy British Library
The decision comes at a fitting time for both institutions, as the British Library plans a major exhibition based on its 500,000 photographs later this year and the University launches a Masters degree in Photography History and Practice.
The British Library holds more than 500,000 photographs. Picture courtesy British Library
“The Library is delighted to acquire such a significant collection, which we will make available to researchers in our St Pancras Reading Rooms in perpetuity,” pledged John Falconer, Head of Visual Materials at the Library.
“It will form a unique resource for the study of the growth and development of photography as a professional tool and popular amusement from the 1890s onwards.”
Students at the University will benefit from the bequest. Picture courtesy British Library
Dr Gerard Moran, Dean of the University’s Art and Design Faculty, said the acquisition would boost De Montfort’s “growing reputation as an international centre in this area of study."
“Postgraduate students at De Montfort University’s Centre for Photographic History will benefit greatly from having immediate access to this tremendous resource,” he added.
“I’m grateful to colleagues at Kodak, the British Library and here in the University who have worked very hard to make this happen.”
