You might think of 3D as brand new technology—but the surprisingly modern-looking 3D viewers in our collection date back to the late 19th century.
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…
Cameras and guns might both ‘shoot’ things, but what else do they have in common? Take a look at some examples of amalgamated versions of these technologies from our collection.
Emily Rees discusses how private archives, like the C.O. Stanley Pye Collection, can offer invaluable insights into the history of media in Britain.
Some of the newest items in our collection illustrate just how quickly technology is evolving.
Large format Polaroid photographs—some more than 2m high and 1m wide—were made in an instant but offer a challenge when it comes to long-term preservation.
Wearable technology isn’t as new as you think. From 1880s portable cameras to the personal radio of the 1930s, see some intriguing examples from our collection.
This unusual chair was used to take portraits of a particular kind of person. Can you guess who?
Dance crazes have always sparked outrage and debate, as these images from our collection prove!
Sometimes, it’s difficult for a photograph to embody the essence of a historic object. How have techniques developed when it comes to recording ancient artefacts?
Our summer exhibition, In Your Face, inspired us to go hunting for examples of ‘faces’ in some of our collection objects.
Our brand new family experience, In Your Face, opened on 23 July with an amazing celebration party.
Some things never change—taking pictures of cute pets is a pastime as old as photography itself, as this image from our collection proves.