Archives and Special Collections: Copyright and Use of Photographs, Images, Audio and Videos
The content in our collection (and its reproductions) is supplied to you subject to the following terms and conditions:
- You may not sell, license, share, or copy any part of the content without prior written consent of Library Services.
- Library Services will inform you of any risks inherent in making content available to the public (e.g. in exhibitions, online, or in printed materials). After this, any risk is the responsibility of the individual or department making the material available to the public. Library Services does not guarantee that the sharing of content, including Public Domain or Creative Commons content, will not infringe upon the rights of third parties. It is your responsibility to determine and follow copyright and other use conditions before using the content.
- You agree to follow all copyright notices, licence conditions, and restrictions attached to the content. You must not remove or alter any notices, conditions, forms of identification, or dedications.
Third party copyright
Library Services will make every reasonable effort to find and acknowledge rights holders and to correctly apply terms and conditions to content. If any content infringes your rights, the rights of someone else, or is not properly identified or acknowledged, contact Library Services. We will make any necessary alterations or remove the content promptly.
If any living person is clearly recognisable in any photograph or other visual media, they can ask for it to be removed. See our Takedown Policy for further information.
Orphan works
Orphan works are works where the rightsholder is unknown or cannot be traced. Many of the photographs in the City St George's Archive are orphan works, According to current UK law, these works are protected by copyright until 2039.
You can make these works available to the public, but there is a risk that a rightsholder could come forward and request payment.
Library Services will indicate any works provided to you that are orphan works. A search must be conducted to try and trace a rightsholder. Either Library Services will carry out the search, or you may be asked to. If you are asked to conduct the search, Library Services will provide guidance. You must keep a record of your search to demonstrate that reasonable steps were taken to locate the rightsholder.
An Orphan Works Licence can be obtained, subject to certain conditions, to allow safe use of the material. For more information see the Guidance on Orphan Works published by the Intellectual Property Office. You are responsible for any fees related to an Orphan Works Licence.
If a genuine rightsholder comes forward, they are entitled to request a fee for use of the work. The amount can be open to negotiation, but you will be responsible for paying the fee.
Reuse of images
Submit your request to reuse an image to the Copyright Librarian louise.dutnell@citystgeorges.ac.uk
You may reuse an image only for the purpose you requested. For any other use submit a new request.
Library Services asks that anyone reusing digital images from these collections apply the following principles:
- Respect the creators - ensure traditional cultural expressions and all ethical concerns in the use of the material are considered, and any information relating to the creator is clear and accurate.
- Any adaptations made to an image should not be attributed to the original creator and should not be derogatory to the originating cultures or communities.
- Please credit the source of the material - as "reproduced with permission of City St George's, University of London Archives and Special Collections".
Related documents
Archives and Special Collections: Collection Development Policy
Archives and Special Collections: Access to Collections
Archives and Special Collections: Handling Guidelines
Archives and Special Collections: Takedown Policy
Contact details
If you have questions or information relating to content or use of images contact the Copyright Librarian louise.dutnell@citystgeorges.ac.uk
Latest update September 2025