Unique British Library images available online
Re-launched Images Online resource makes 20,000 rare images available to businesses, designers and researchers
Thousands of the most spectacular images from the collections of the British Library are now available online at the re-launched Images Online site at: www.imagesonline.bl.uk
Designers, media researchers and product developers can now browse, download and purchase images from tens of thousands of illustrations, drawings, paintings and photographs from the British Library's unparalleled collections of books, manuscripts, musical texts and maps spanning 3000 years.
From TV researchers and picture editors seeking an original illustration to designers on the look-out for unique visual inspiration, users of Images Online will find more than 20,000 fully searchable images which can be viewed and stored using an online 'light box' and purchased online.
Tile maker Jill Campion is an example one of many small businesses that have benefited from Images Online. Jill's tiles are hand-made using traditional methods: the design of her tiles is vital to the development of the brand to ensure her business and product stand out from competitors.
"Images Online makes it easy to search for ideas for potential clients," explains Jill. " I can pick several thumbnails I think are suitable from Images Online and email them to a client say in Philadelphia - they can show it to their customer and we can prepare a mock up of a panel - all of this working very quickly and at no additional cost to me or my client - it is very easy. Clients love it as they can also look or themselves at the image library if they want to."
Another user of the service is Fox & Chave, creator of pure silk, woven or printed ties for the British gift market. MD Jemima Haddock considers design to be critical to the continuing success of the firm:
"I discovered that the British Library has an amazing archive of imagery, covering a wealth of styles, themes and items. As a design resource, I am confident that Images Online will yield a terrific selection of stunning images," Jemima says. "We operate in a niche market but the Fox & Chave brand is becoming known among tie-lovers for its association with some of the best museums and collections in the country."
Jemima adds, "Licensing is a partnership and the relationship only works when both parties feel comfortable and enthusiastic about the project. Everyone at the British Library has been encouraging, extremely helpful and very pleasant. I am looking forward to a happy and successful association."
For media enquiries, contact Lawrence Christensen on +44 (0) 20 7412 7114 or via email: lawrence.christensen@bl.uk
Editors Notes
- The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom. It provides world class information services to the academic, business, research and scientific communities and offers unparalleled access to the world's largest and most comprehensive research collection. The British Library's collections include 150 million items from every era of written human history beginning with Chinese oracle bones dating from 300 BC, right up to the latest e-journals. Further information is available on the Library's website at www.bl.uk.
- www.imagesonline.bl.uk There are various options available:
- Images of up to 4mb, which will reproduce well up to 15 x10cm or ¼ page A4, are available to download from the website. High resolution files are available on CD-ROM and can be paid for offline only. There is a charge of £20 (+ VAT) for the first image purchased. Subsequent images are £10 (+ VAT) each - up to a total of 15 images on the CD. If more than 15 images are purchased the price is as follows: An additional £20 (+ VAT) plus £7.50 (+ VAT) per image for up to 30 images. If more than 30 images are purchased the price is as follows: An additional £20 (+ VAT) plus £5 (+ VAT) per image for up to 45 images.
- Find out more about Jill Campion here: www.jillcampion.com
- Find out more about Fox & Chave here: www.foxandchave.co.uk
It is also possible to arrange to download high resolution images from our FTP site