Where the Past Comes to Life
The Beamish Photographic Archive houses a unique and exciting collection of over 300,000 historical images from the North East of England dating from the 1860s right up until the 1960s and the present day. The photograph collection is now computerised, which gives fast and easy access to visitors using the database as well as researchers and staff.

The images include local newspaper archives showing wonderful photojournalism of events and lives between the 1930s and 1960s. Superb underground images of miners, the advent of steam and the glowing furnaces of the steel industry are covered in the industrial collection. Idyllic farming scenes can be found alongside old photographs of street urchins of Newcastle during the 1890s. There are also images of the Museum itself and of objects in the collections such as enamel adverts, painting, quilts, banners, packaging, ceramics, transport and much more.

The Photographic Library is increasing at a rapid rate and is an important and concise record of the social history and industry of this region. It is a brilliant and versatile resource for schools, publishers, researchers and local history groups amongst many others. 

To arrange an appointment contact Helen Barker, Collections Access Officer, tel. 0191 370 4059, 

email: helen.barker@beamish.org.uk

Picture queries and brochure requests can be made by contacting Paul Castrey, Keeper of Resources,
tel. 0191 370 4034, email paulcastrey@beamish.org.uk

or Julian Harrop, Research Assistant, tel. 0191 370 4022,
email julianharrop@beamish.org.uk.

The Photographic Archive can be viewed on weekdays by appointment only.

It is now possible to view and purchase a selection of images from the Photographic Archive by visiting our newly developed Collections Online website. Click here to find out more.