With
over two million photographs, maps, books, artworks, artefacts and
documents the Royal Geographical Society collections represent a unique
resource. From the achievements of sixteenth century mapmakers to the
epic feats of Antarctic exploration, their material is geographically and
historically rich. The Picture Library provides an
invaluable access point for researchers, publishers, and designers
looking to find images illustrating the great stories of travel and
exploration held in our vast collections. Their
representation of over forty professional and amateur photographers
currently travelling to all corners of the globe brings our collection
up-to-date. The thousands of images now available to view
online provide some highlights of their collections, although they
represent only a fraction of the material they hold. They are working hard
to expand the online collection and are constantly adding images.
Catalogue records covering the majority of our collections can now be
accessed and searched online via the Society’s website. The Royal Geographical Society are always keen to encourage clients to visit us to discover for
themselves what our collection has to offer. We can also carry out
picture research on your behalf – please contact us to discuss your
requirements.
The
achievements and experiences of nineteenth and early twentieth century
travellers and geographers are translated through the photographs,
watercolours, sketches, maps and artefacts they brought back to the
Society. The map collection is one of the largest private map
collections in the world, and a valuable source of beautifully
illustrated atlases. Many rare geographical and historical volumes are
held in a vast library, offering infinite opportunities for finding
original illustrative material.
The Roayl Geographical Societies historical
photographic collection of over half a million prints, albums,
negatives and lantern slides constitutes an unrivalled record of the
world’s landscapes and people. When the Society was founded in 1830,
the new science of photography was in its infancy. This was to have a
massive impact on how explorers and travellers could pictorially record
their experiences, and offered those at home an amazing insight into
far-away lands. From the early days of photography, through the era of
Empire and colonialism, and into the early twentieth century, they offer
a rich source of imagery from a 'golden age’ of travel. Key moments of
British exploration history, particularly in the Antarctic and
Himalaya, are recorded within our photographic collection. The collection
represents over forty contemporary photographers, many of whom have a
close association with the Society. They travel the world bringing us
stunning images which provide a fascinating contrast to the historical
photographs, often highlighting environmental and social change.
