Documentary Collection

(12,600+ images)

Seven decades of British life, industry and culture. Our documentary archive is the most comprehensive visual record of 20th-century Britain in private hands - from the fairgrounds of the 1970s to the industrial waterfronts of the post-war years.

All Decades 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s Urban Life Rural Industrial

A bustling East End London street market in the mid-1960s, wooden stalls, merchants and classic era motor vehicles in morning overcast light

Market Day, East End

REF: PCL-6402-A

Alistair Graham, 1964

Close-up portrait of an elderly coal miner with soot-covered face, northern England industrial setting, 1970s harsh directional lighting

The Miner's Respite

REF: PCL-7218-K

Evelyn Thorne, 1972

Deserted industrial harbour at dusk in the 1950s, silhouettes of massive cranes over calm water with fog rolling in from the Mersey

Mist over Liverpool Docks

REF: PCL-5909-L

Harold Finch, 1959

British travelling fairground at dusk, illuminated rides and stalls against a deep blue sky, crowds of visitors enjoying the fair

Funfair at Dusk

REF: PCL-7804-F

Alistair Graham, 1978

The old salt quay in Bristol docklands, warehouses and moored vessels reflected in still dock water, industrial heritage photography

Old Salt Quay, Bristol

REF: PCL-6211-Q

Harold Finch, 1962

Scottish Highland Goats

REF: PCL-7503-S

Douglas Reid, 1975