V&A Launches Major Digitization Project for Royal Photographic Society Collection

The Victoria and Albert Museum has initiated a comprehensive project to catalog and digitize the Royal Photographic Society collection, which was transferred from the National Media Museum over eight years ago. By early 2025, this strategic effort reached a critical phase with the formation of an expanded team. Project Manager Amy Mayhew and Senior Curator Martin Barnes lead the initiative, overseeing 16 staff members across three departments, 38 volunteers, and 2 MA placement students. Eight new staff positions were created specifically for this undertaking. A dedicated cataloguing room and separate digitization studio equipped with new tools support the work. Guidelines have been established to ensure consistency and accuracy throughout the cataloguing and digitizing processes. Since June 2025, digitized objects have increased from about 7,500 to over 22,000, all accessible via Explore the Collections. Conservation treatments are stabilizing at-risk works, while archival materials documenting the Society's history and photographic technology are being assessed. The project aims to preserve the collection for future generations and enhance global access, supported by foundations including The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation, The William Brake Foundation, and The Ampersand Foundation.