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  Introduction

   Imperial Images is a unique collection of part-researched and catalogued historical images that predates  

   photography.  BOX504 is a broad selection of images from the Imperial Images library.

History

This unique collection (formerly known as The Weaver Smith Collection) first came to light upon the death of a Mr Weaver Smith, although there is evidence within the collection, that newspapers and magazines were using it as a reference source back in the late forties and fifties.  The collection was obtained by Associated Rediffusion Television in 1955 and incorporated into its library to support its production staff in programme making.  In 1968 Associated Rediffusion lost its franchise to broadcast, and was taken over by Thames Television Plc.   From then until 1992 the collection played a substantial role in contributing towards programme content.  The content was ideally suited for History and Arts programming, although it was used across a broad range of production.  In 1992 Thames Television lost its franchise to broadcast, and the Weaver Smith Collection, along with other assets, was incorporated into The Production Design Company, which was established in 1993.   In 1999 its title was transferred to the current owners and in 2004 Imperial Images was established.    

Content of Library

The Weaver Smith Collection is currently housed in just over 500 A3 Box files, each containing a number of square      cut folders.  The images are filed and grouped into subject headings and are catalogued covering a range of topics and issues.  Apart from the “Biography” section each image is numbered and mounted on green card with The Associated Rediffusion Television Logo printed on the rear.  This mainly picture library, with some text per subject, pre dates photography, however there is some overlap.  It covers far ranging subjects, from profiles of individuals, military campaigns & conflicts to social and economic matters, from classical history to the early twentieth century.  Each of the subject files is made up of prints, engraving, illustrations, and pullouts from newspapers and magazines with some being of historical interest.  The content is mainly black and white, although the collection does contain some colour.

Digitization & Website

In 2004 the current owners decided to take The Weaver Smith Collection as a platform, rename it Imperial Images and launch it as a digitized historical picture library and make it available for research and education worldwide.  The process of cataloguing, research & digitization continues to date, having launched it’s website in late 2006.  The website can be found at:

www.imperialimages.com

   Production data

      Estimated number of images in the library: 101,178

Total number of A3 Box files contained in library: 500

Number of box files digitized (scanned): 220

Number of box files being digitized (scanned): 41

Number of box files to be digitized (scanned): 239

      Number of images currently on the website: 2,080

      Number of images catalogued (excluding Biography): 21,492

      Total number of images in Biography: 35,903

      All images in Biography that have been catalogued: (35,903) –

      NB. Figure includes Actors & Boxers

      Number of Biography images researched: 25,155

      Number of Biography images requiring research: 10,748

      Total number of named individuals in Biography: 11,542

      Number of images to be catalogued & researched excluding Biography: 43,843

      Number of images ready for downloading on to website: 23,865

     Note:  As the library is in development this production data is subject to constant review and amendment.

Contact details

Graham & Angela Guest

Imperial Images

Porta Leacach House

Kildonan

Isle of Arran

KA27 8SD UK

Tel: 01770820680

Fax: 01770829316

E-mail: [log in to unmask]

Website: www.imperialimages.com