In the late 19th century, subjects that seemed mundane to modern eyes exerted a peculiar fascination, such was the novelty of their being captured by the camera.
We’re home to over three million items of historical and cultural significance. Our world-class collection encompasses iconic objects and remarkable archives in the areas of photography, cinematography, television, sound and new media. Peek behind the scenes and discover some hidden treasures…
Colin Harding looks at the rise of commercial beach photography, and the shift from stiff, formal portraits, to the unposed holidaymaker by the sea.
We’ve been asking staff to recall their fondest memories of the museum. Audience Development and Volunteer Coordinator Mandy Tennant reminds us why this is such a great place to work.
Iain Logie Baird is certain that the Model B Televisor in our collection was tuned in to the very first television broadcast. That’s a lot of history in one object.
The Hogg daguerreotype is one of the most significant objects in our collection. Taken in 1843, it is the earliest known photograph of a photographer at work.
When the introduction of cheap snapshot cameras coincided with more leisure time for ordinary folk, they flocked to the seaside to record their sunny memories.
Our photography curators pick their favourite additions to Flickr Commons—and we remind you why joining the Commons is one of the best things we’ve ever done.
The Epsom Derby is a magnet for photographers, drawn by the colour, spectacle, and social mix. Colin Harding gives you a glimpse of the Derby in pictures.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation put television on the map. Iain Baird looks at some of the objects in our archive that document that momentous day in TV history.
Brian Liddy looks back at the Museum Exile of 1997—when all the objects in our collection (along with their curators) went on an adventure to Halifax.
Eleanor Macnair, Media Space Press Officer, looks at the Tony Ray-Jones collection and the exhibition that will launch Media Space at the Science Museum.
Even if you’ve never seen it before, it’s likely that ‘Iago’ will feel instantly familiar. Emily shares one of her favourite photographs from our collection.