I offer archive research and document photography at The National Archives and the Imperial War Museum, alongside digitisation of privately held material.
As a military historian, I regularly work with archival sources and understand both their value and the practical challenges involved in accessing and working with them. These services are intended to provide a straightforward and reliable way of obtaining and working with historical material, whether held in public archives or private collections.
Archive Research & Photography
I carry out in-person visits to The National Archives and Imperial War Museum, photographing material in accordance with archive guidelines.
A standard session includes:
- Up to 3 hours onsite research and photography
- A substantial set of images (typically 100+ depending on the material)
- Images supplied as clearly organised PDF files
Standard session: £120 + £50 travel
Where material is particularly large or complex, additional time may be required. This will always be discussed in advance.
Who This is For
These services may be useful for:
- Family history and genealogy research
- 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
- Send me the archive references (or details of what you are looking for)
- I confirm whether your request fits within a standard session
- I visit the archive and photograph the material
- You receive organised PDF files, typically within a few days
Digitisation of Private Material
I also offer digitisation of privately held documents, including letters, diaries, and printed material.
Materials can be carefully scanned using non-destructive methods and supplied as organised PDF files. This approach is particularly suitable for bound or delicate items that cannot be easily 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 material allows.
Transcription can be provided where required.
This 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
- This service is 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 will respond to confirm availability and next steps.
Lucy Betteridge-Dyson 