Business Details
Official Image Library of the Science Museum Group
The Science & Society Picture Library represents the visual collections of the Science Museum Group, including the Science Museum, National Railway Museum, and other affiliated institutions. We provide access to over 165,000 historical and scientific images, footage, and archival materials for commercial and personal use. Our mission is to preserve and share these collections while supporting museum conservation efforts through licensing revenue.With expertise in curating rare and iconic imagery, we offer tailored solutions for publishers, broadcasters, educators, and creative professionals. Our team combines deep knowledge of historical archives with modern digital accessibility to ensure clients find the perfect visual narratives. As part of a trusted cultural institution, we uphold rigorous standards of authenticity and ethical stewardship in all our operations.
Services
Image Licensing
Framed Prints
Footage Licensing
Brand Licensing
Client Projects
Highlights and features
- We offer access to 165,000+ curated images from world-leading science and engineering archives
- Proceeds directly support museum conservation and collection development
- Specialist team provides expert guidance for academic and commercial projects
- Includes rare materials like the Dufaycolor collection and Louis Le Prince film archives
- Flexible licensing options for print, broadcast, and digital media
Services
Image Licensing
Access over 165,000 historical and scientific images for commercial use. Our collection spans vintage travel posters, engineering blueprints, and rare scientific photographs. Clients receive high-resolution digital files with clear licensing terms. Ideal for publishers, advertisers, and educators seeking authentic visual content.
Framed Prints
Purchase museum-quality prints of iconic images from our collection. Available in various sizes with framing options. Features vintage railway posters, scientific illustrations, and historic photographs. Perfect for home decor or office spaces seeking distinctive heritage-inspired designs.
Footage Licensing
License rare moving footage including early colour films, railway documentaries, and scientific lectures. Our archive contains material dating from the 1880s to modern digital recordings. Suitable for broadcasters, filmmakers, and educational institutions requiring authentic historical content.
Brand Licensing
Develop licensed products using our iconic museum collections. Collaborate on creating STEM-inspired merchandise featuring historic designs and scientific breakthroughs. Supports educational outreach while providing unique commercial opportunities for retailers and manufacturers.
Client Projects
Tailored image research and curation services for specific projects. Our team assists with content selection, rights clearance, and technical specifications. Used by book publishers, exhibition designers, and media producers requiring specialist visual material expertise.
People
Jasmine Rodgers
Media Licensing and Content Manager
Specialises in picture research and commercial licensing. Brings expertise in connecting clients with relevant archival materials while ensuring collection preservation. Passionate about sharing scientific history through visual media.
Karolina Koziel
Image Library Administrator
Manages day-to-day operations of the image library. Provides technical support and maintains digital archives. Committed to making historical collections accessible through modern digital platforms while preserving original materials.
Questions
How can I license images for commercial use?
Contact our licensing team with specific image references and intended usage details. We'll provide pricing and licensing terms tailored to your project requirements.
Are all images available for reproduction?
Most images can be licensed, but some may have copyright restrictions. Our team will confirm usage rights and help find alternatives if needed.
Do you offer educational discounts?
We provide special rates for academic and non-commercial educational projects. Contact us with your institution details for tailored pricing options.
Can I purchase physical prints?
Yes, we offer high-quality framed and unframed prints through our online shop. Custom sizes and framing options are available for most collection items.
How are proceeds used?
All licensing revenue directly supports the Science Museum Group's conservation efforts, collection maintenance, and educational programming initiatives.
What formats are available for digital files?
We provide high-resolution TIFF files for print and JPEG formats for digital use. Special formats may be available upon request for specific projects.
