Welcome to the Birmingham Photography Archive.

This unique collection of over 8500 photographs documents the growth and development of Birmingham, its suburbs and surrounding area since the 17th Century.

Explore many different themes that form Birmingham’s rich and varied history, from architecture, family life through to the city’s experiences during wartime. Enjoy searching for your local area and learn about the buildings, people and events that shaped your environment.

The collection forms part from the Library of Birmingham’s Warwickshire Photographic survey, one of the library’s most popular collections.

Using the site

Birmingham Photography Archive has many cool features for you to use:

• Search by keyword, date, category or theme
• Explore full screen images
• Read archivist’s notes about each picture
• Share your knowledge by adding keywords and comments to an image
• Buy a digital copy of your favourite image
• Dedicate an image to friends and family for all to see

Meet the team

Birmingham Photography Archive is a joint venture between web developers Corals the Library of Birmingham Trust and Birmingham City Council. Profits generated by the site are shared with the library and council.