Archive Research, Photography & Digitisation

I offer archive research and document photography at The National Archives, National Army Museum, British Library, and Imperial War Museum – plus other archives across London and south-east England – alongside digitisation of privately held material.

As a military historian, I work regularly with archival sources and understand both their value and the practical challenges involved in accessing them. These services offer a straightforward and reliable way of obtaining historical material, whether held in public archives or private collections.

Archive Research & Photography

I carry out in-person visits to archives across London and the south-east, photographing material in I carry out in-person visits to archives across London and south-east England, working in accordance with each archive’s guidelines and restrictions.

A standard session covers either onsite research into a specified subject or individual, or photography of already-identified material – depending on what you need.

A standard session includes:

  • Up to 3 hours onsite research or photography
  • File organisation and supply as clearly labelled PDF files
  • Typically 100+ images where photographing documents (depending on material)

Standard session: £120 + travel expenses (London and south-east England)

For archives outside this area, travel costs and expenses will be quoted separately in advance.

Where material is particularly large or complex, additional time may be required. This will always be discussed before any additional cost is incurred.

If you only need a small number of already-identified documents, it may be possible to accommodate your request within a visit already planned to that archive. Get in touch to discuss.

Who This is For

These services may be useful for:

  • Family history and genealogy research
  • Military history enquiries
  • Academic projects
  • Military history enquiries
  • Researchers based outside the UK
  • Those unable to visit archives in person
  • Individuals looking to digitise personal collections

How it Works

  1. Send me details of what you’re looking for – archive references if you have them, or a description of the subject or individual you’re researching
  2. I’ll assess your request and confirm whether it fits within a standard session, and advise on likely sources if references aren’t yet known
  3. I visit the archive and photograph or research the material
  4. You receive clearly organised PDF files, typically within a few days of the visit

Digitisation of Private Material

I also offer digitisation of privately held documents, including letters, diaries, and printed material.

Materials are carefully scanned using non-destructive methods and supplied as organised PDF files. This approach is particularly suitable for bound or delicate items that cannot easily be flattened.

Scans can be provided in colour, greyscale, or black and white as appropriate. Searchable (OCR) PDFs can also be produced where the quality of the original allows. Transcription can be provided where required.

This service may be particularly useful for those wishing to preserve, share, or work more closely with personal or family collections.

Pricing for Digitisation

Digitisation work is priced according to the size and complexity of the material.

As a general guide:

  • Small projects (e.g. short bundles of letters or documents): £40-£80
  • Medium projects (e.g. longer files or small collections): £80-£150
  • Larger or more complex collections: priced individually

This includes scanning, basic organisation, and supply as PDF files. Transcription and more detailed work can be added where required.

Sending and Returning Materials

While every care is taken in handling and returning materials, items are sent at the owner’s risk. I recommend using a tracked and insured postal service where appropriate.

All items are handled with care and returned promptly using the same or an agreed delivery method.

If you are based locally, collection and return may also be possible by arrangement.

Important Information

  • All archive photography is carried out in line with archive rules and restrictions
  • These services are intended for personal research and reference use
  • Larger or more time-intensive requests may require a separate quote

Enquires

To get started, please send:

  • Archive references (if known)
  • A brief description of your request
  • Any relevant deadlines

I’ll respond to confirm availability and outline next steps.