February 2, 2015

In the mood for over a million vintage public domain images?


First and foremost, before delving in to the main topic of today's post, may I take a wee moment and wish you all a delightfully fun Groundhog's Day. I don't know about you, but I'm certainly rooting that cute little critter fails to see his shadow. The earlier spring wants to arrive this year, the happier I'll be (though, that said, I do always enjoy the ingrained productivity that the I find the chilliest months of the year bring about, and which I sometimes yearn for when I'm melting like Crayola crayon in the sun come summertime).

Like many - most these days, actually - of us, I use at least one image, be it an illustration, a graphic or a photograph in each of my blog posts. In fact, over the nearly six years that I've been blogger now, fewer than five posts have lacked an image all together - and when they did it was always because of extenuating circumstances, such as the time back in 2010 when Tony posted on my behalf because I was unexpectedly in the hospital fighting for my life for several days and we wanted to let my readers know that I was still hanging in there (true story).

I've always been a very visually driven person and there are few things I enjoy doing online more than viewing a massive range of vintage images and using some of them in my posts. I keep Word and Evernote docs chalked full of links to images, have scores of Pinterest boards, and a huge number of images that I've favourited on flicker over the years at may wind up in my entries here one day.

I'm perpetually on the hunt for great new sources of vintage images, especially ones that are in the public domain (such as those in the Libraries and Achieves Canada, which I blogged about back in 2013), because their inclusion in this sphere makes it highly likely that that one can utilize them for personal use without having to worry very much (if at all, in many cases) about potential copyright infringement, which is something that all bloggers should keep in mind when sourcing images online.
 
Public domain images are just that - photos or illustrations that have been released for use, usually either due to their age or because the person or institution that owns the rights to them have released them for the general public to use freely. Without a doubt one of the largest sources of antique, historical and vintage public domain images that I've chanced upon from a single source is the Flickr stream from venerable British Library.

There are, thankfully, no shortage of accounts, often from universities, colleges, libraries, federal and national achieves on Flickr with public domain offerings, but the British Library stands out amongst them has having one of the absolute biggest arrays of old school images you'll come across anywhere online these days. How many images to they have, you be be wondering...10,000? 50,000? 100,000? More? Wayyyy more, in fact they currently have over 1,000,000 different images (primarily dating to before 1920) in their Flickr stream and that number is continually growing.

This is not one-person-and-a-scanner-in-their-basement kind of affair, but rather it must be a whole team of folks who are dedicating their time to uploading thousands upon thousands of historical images into the public domain every month. As someone who is indescribably passionate about preserving the past, this noble effort gains my deepest admiration and truly warrants being shared with one and all, which is precisely what I'm doing here today.

While I will sometimes set aside a day, a week, or even a month (during my downtime or in spurts) to go through a large Flickr stream's entire catalog of images (say, one that is 5,000 or 10,000 images big), I have not even come close to seeing the million plus images that the British Library's account houses and doubt I ever will. A person could spend months or even years trying to do so.

That said, I would estimate that (very conservatively) I've seen about 7,500 of their images at this point and continue to enjoy browsing through more on a regular basis. This is the kind of Flickr stream that you can get lost in not just for hours, but for weekends at at a time. There is an incredibly diverse, vast, and engaging array of images to be had there spanning many centuries and pertaining to near countless topics.

I couldn't begin to share all of the historical images from this hefty Flickr public domain account that have caught my eye (that would fill books worth of pages!), but I have selected 12 that recently landed on my Favourites list and which I think you'll enjoy as well. If you'd like to learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective British Library Flickr page.



















































♥ ♥ ♥




I hope that this treasure trove of yesteryear images sparks your interest as well and that it can be helpful to you in your own research, for blog posts, art or craft projects, historical costume research, or simply for the unbridled joy that comes from looking at and learning more about vintage images and photographs.


Though I haven't chanced upon one yet in my fun jaunts through this account, perhaps one day I'll even hit upon an image of a Groundhog there. Until then, and certainly after as well, I'll keep on returning time and time again to drink from the fountain of inspiring knowledge that is the truly jam packed Flickr stream of the British Library.

Doffing my vintage hat each time I return to the hard working, passionate folks who are doing the world a great service by preserving and sharing so many snippets of history for today's population and many future generations to come to enjoy, learn from, and yes, definitely use in their blog posts, too.

40 comments:

  1. Dearest Jessica, thank you ever so kindly for sharing this treasure trove of fabulous images! More importantly thank you for you lovely and oh so very kind message on my blog. I want you to know that what your words filled my heart, not only because they were so caring and kind but because you understand. I guess the old adage, "it takes one to know one", is so very true my friend. I wanted to let you know that I am very happy and I am doing well. I am getting the help I need although it took some time to find said help. I have a Doctor that is using acupuncture and it is amazing how much a tiny needle (okay not so tiny really) can help. I do long for the days when I felt better, I won't deny that I do. However, Living here in Korea is an amazing experience and I am doing as much as I can in terms fo exploring this beautiful country.

    As I read your post today I realized how remarkable you truly are dear Jessica. Your struggles everyday must be overwhelming and still you have accomplished so much. When we as an audience see your beautiful post, it is hard to imagine that you are anything other than vibrant and healthy. Your are so beautiful inside and out...

    Congrats on your Etsy shop and your new records! The most gentle and BIGGEST hugs, Beverly

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    1. Hello my sweet friend, thank you for your deeply caring message and genuine understanding. True, so true. Often we hear that axiom used in a negative connotation, but it can have a very positive meaning, too, and for you and I, that is most certainly the case.

      It warms my heart to no end to hear that even with all the change, strife and challenges that have been on your plate lately, you're still happy and currently doing well, including finding a good doctor and having success with acupuncture (I've tried it before with zero success, I'm afraid).

      I can just imagine what a exciting and potentially fun filled experience being in Korea is for you. The furthest afield that I've lived to date is in Ireland (for two years). I've never even stepped foot in Asia yet (traveling being the epic challenge that it is for those like us, as I know you're more than familiar with). Perhaps one day - both Tony and I want to see Japan immensely. First though, for such a major trip, we'd like go to his home country of Italy, as I've not yet been and he's only been back once briefly (for work) since he left there at the end of 2003. One day, I hope and pray, one day.

      Beverly, I really can't adequately put into words how much your understanding of the real me - the person behind the blog, if you will, means to me. I don't usually go into much depth about my medical struggles or daily life spent battling more than a dozen different chronic illnesses here on my blog largely because it's a bit like my refuge from them, but they are a massive part of my world and shape nearly everything that I'm able to do - or not do.

      Thankfully, truly thankfully, they haven't got me beat entirely yet and though many ups and downs, rough patches and those few rare good days, I've held on here for nearly six year years and hope with all my heart that I'll continue to be able to for a long time more to come still (likewise for being able to run my Etsy shop).

      Know that I am hugging you across these miles and counting my blessings for having a friend who gets and sees me the way that you do.


      Much love & oodles of happy Groundhog's Day wishes, too! :)
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. what an amazing online archive

    retro rover

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  3. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/groundhog-day-furry-forecaster-consensus-is-6-more-weeks-of-winter-1.2940020

    Hope posting a link is OK with you...?

    Just letting you know I'm still here and didn' abandon my blog or blog reading. Just been both sick (nothing severe requiring hospitalisation) and super busy at work. As always, a great post (all hail Flickr, repository of amazing images posted by amazing people *lol*) - I look forward to checking out the pics! :)

    TTFN
    Mugsy

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    1. Hello dear gal, thank you for sharing that link. I'm not surprised in the slightest. Objectively though, as Canadians, we know that winter is going to be a constant companion until April or May in most parts of the country (if not even early June for a few!), so cute as Mr. Groundhog is, I wouldn't plan my daily attire around his forecasts. :D

      Oh no, I'm truly sorry to hear that you've been unwell lately. The rings true for me, too. Between a long string of bugs and infections in the fall and early winter and several serious flare-ups more recently, I've been under-the-weather beyond my usual chronic illness poor health levels, I mean, almost continuously since early October. Not fun, but it could certainly always be worse, so I'm not complaining. Just trying to do what I can with the limited energy the universe affords me and looking forward (big time!) to spring's return and the hope that it brings with it some nicer health along with the sunny weather.

      I'm always here if you'd like to chat more about anything, my friend.

      Tons of healing hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. This link is amazing. I will be "lost" in the archive for many hours....

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    1. I'm delighted to know that it appeals to you as well, my dear lady. Indeed, it's immensely easy to get lost there for hours - or a whole weekend. I always find doing so to be very rewarding and entirely pleasant though, not like a "time sink", so it's more than worth it.

      Thank you for your lovely comment. I hope that February is already off to a great start for you!
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. i love this, getting lost in frame after frame of yesteryear. i too, enjoy spending a little downtime on pinterest or flickr and getting inspired by other eras. i'm not the kind of vintage gal who just likes, say, the 40s-60s, but i'm more of a history loving gal who enjoys ALL bygone eras of style and study.

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    1. Same here - big time!!! Though my wardrobe and blog are 1930s - early 60s centered, my passion for history is all encompassing and extends far beyond that relatively small window in recent human history. I've always got my head in a history book, am doing genealogy research, or am looking for resources like this - or visiting something historically related (especially when we travel to placed with far more than are to be had in our local area). History and I are BFF's for life, just as I know you - and many of my readers and online friends - are as well. It certainly is an awesome friendship, so to speak, to have and one that I feel rewards our lives in innumerable ways.

      Happy start of February, dear Abigail!
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. What a brilliant resource! And another thing to spend too much time looking at online ;) thanks for sharing it, it'll surely be so useful for other bloggers x

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    1. You're very welcome! That is my hope for sure. Granted, not a ton of their images are as recent mid-twentieth century, but there are still plenty that could be relevant to the sorts of things that vintage, fashion, and lifestyle bloggers in general write about (take the floral illustrations above for example, they could be used for tons of different types of posts), so i really hope it does prove to be a valuable resource for many of my readers.

      Big hugs & the very happiest of Monday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Cool. History is terrific and I applaud those who preserve it -- including you. Love these images. Sorry 'bout the groundhog; looks like more cold Winter.

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    1. Thank you very much, Ally. That is a truly touching and meaningful compliment.

      It's okay, us Canucks have pretty hearty constitutions on the whole and I'll manage another few weeks of winter no sweat (just plenty of sweaters :D).

      Have a fabulous February!
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. What a great resource! I have fallen in love with that London postcard! Now I want that exact sketch of the Tower of London as a tattoo, its so cute!

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    1. That would make for such a fabulously cool tattoo! On the off chance you do get one of it one, please show me. I can just imagine how beautiful it would be!

      Big hugs & many thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. i have a weak spot for old botanical illustrations! thanx for sharing that resource!
    snowy greetings to you my dear friend!
    xxxxxxx

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  10. Dias atrás eu estava procurando imagens em dominio público para que eu pudesse usar em minhas postagens, mas encontrei muito pouco.
    Obrigada por compartilhar essas lindas imagens conosco.
    Desejo uma Boa Semana!

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  11. Thank you so much! If you ever feel inspired, I would love to read a whole post about using images in a blog.

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    1. Hi Piper, you're very welcome. I'm delighted to know that this link spoke to you as well. That sounds like a really neat idea for a post and I'd certainly be interesting in penning one about it. Can you please elaborate more on what sort of specific points/questions you'd like me to cover?

      ♥ Jessica

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  12. I love learning new things and where to find them ! SO thank you for sharing this with us.
    I can sit for hours just looking at old pictures of my city trying to define whats left. For me, its a yearning for anything old, something I can hold on to, seeking a real identity… I think that many things must have been so much better before.

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  13. Jessica, this is a fantastic resource! Thank you so much for sharing this, you have made my day. :)

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    1. Sweet Linda, I'm truly happy to know that this delightful - and rather massive - inventory of images brightened your day so much. May it bring you many happy hours of browsing.

      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Oh dear..now I really will not be working today. lol! I love public domain images and when I'm bored I just browse and browse and come up with stories. Love it :) I can't wait to see all the other images that are not posted here :)

    Happy day after Groundhog day!

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    1. Same here! I look at so many of these images and think about the lives of those who created them, as well as the first folks to enjoy/learn from them. It's fascinating to think that we can use modern technology to help keep centuries old documents and works of art alive like this. I really feel that's one of the most important positives that the web grants humanity (a way to preserve the past indefinitely, I mean).

      Thank you, sweet Liz, the same to you - and a marvelously lovely whole month of February!
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Wow, what a resource! This is going to come in handy for a multitude of things- and waste a lot of hours just browsing... ha! Thanks for letting us all in on this!

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    1. It's my absolute pleasure, dear Shauna. At this point, (with this site) having been online for several years now, there are some streams on Flickr that are truly massive and this is definitely one of those. I can't help but wonder what size it will be in five or ten more years!

      ♥ Jessica

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  16. What an amazing collection! I believe I'd heard about this before, and spent some time rifling through the account, but it's been a while since I've had a look. I appreciate the reminder, I'll have to spend some time with it soon. It's such an amazing resource, although I remember being a bit frustrated about the lack of indexing. With my shopping ban in place, though, I've got plenty of time to go hunting!
    <3
    Jessica, Zella Maybe

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    1. True, the indexing could be more thorough with this particular collection. I get that with the sheer volume, they might not have time for 50 tags a pop, but a few more certainly wouldn't hurt.

      For photos in particular, the Library of Congress' Flickr stream is a simply amazing historical archive as well. I've used images from it in numerous posts here over the years.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. Wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing! I know myself and many others are going to get a lot of use out of this resource. It can be really difficult to find public domain images anyway, not to mention antique ones.

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    1. You're very welcome, sweet dear. It had been quite a while since I last shone the spotlight on a particular Flickr stream and it seemed high time that I did so again - and what better one to focus on than this, with it's 1,000,000+ images?

      I've always enjoyed highlighting great Flickr streams and images in general, so I'm sure this won't be the last post in this vein to appear here. :)

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. Wow!

    That last image is my favorite. Violets are just the sweetest flowers ever!!

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  19. Wonderful, Jessica! Xo Christy

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    1. Thank you very much, my sweet friend. Don't you just want to print and frame some of these timeless beauties right this very minute? :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Wow, this is an amazing resource!! And printing out and framing some of those pics is a really good idea, there are SO many fabulous pictures!! Thank you for sharing, it's kind of you. And thanks for your supportive comment on my wedding planning, I totally agree about not bankrupting ourselves just for one day. xx

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  21. I really have to check this out, thank you so much for recommending it. I am also very visual so I am a huge fan of Pinterest, so much easier than downloading photos. I only use Flickr for backing up my own photos, which are hidden to the public. I have bookmarked this collection and return to it. Wishing you a lovely day, dear. :)

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    1. There was a time a few years ago, that seems so much longer now than it really was, when I was heavily into using (uploading to) Flickr, but as many circumstances in my life changed, Flickr did that (IMO) awful overhaul of their design/system, and my focus shifted ever more to my blog, I stopped uploading there and currently just enjoy it for research, finding images for posts, and my own pleasure (of seeing old photos!). I'm not sure if you liked that big change there, but Flickr just never felt the same to me after it (and I know they lost legions of users because of it - sad!).

      Oodles of hugs coming your way on your day off,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. There's something soothing in old illustrations.
    Whenever I'm having a modern world overload (too much office time, too much "project team" time, too much conversations with folk obsessed with gadgets..), I like to step slowly back ijn time.. and let my eyes rest on the images quote similar to the ones you've shown here.

    ..as a matter of fact, today is one of those days..
    Than you for sharing the calm. :)

    MArija

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    1. You are so very welcome, my sweet friend. I feel precisely the same way about vintage images. I think it's a huge part of the reason why I've been drawn and in love with sites like Flickr and Pinterest since the moment I discovered them. Vintage images are free therapy, so to speak, that relaxes and educates - not mention, inspires - any time of the day or night. I feel so fortunate that we have the web and wonderful folks who share their pictures and photos and scans of the past with all of us (very much including yourself on your own wonderful blog, dear gal!).

      Huge hugs & the happiest of Saturday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. This is a great resource so thanks for sharing. I am going to have to be sure to limit my time on it! I love looking through history so this will be wonderful.

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    1. You're super welcome, my sweet friend! I'm delighted to know that you enjoyed this post. Flickr in general is such an amazing place for vintage and antique images and photographs. I've spent more time there over the years, both in the name of my blog and for my own interest and education, than I could ever begin to count. It's so fantastic that some people, libraries, museums, universities, etc, have shared their own treasure troves of images for the general public to enjoy and use on Flickr. I would have had a substantially harder time finding images for many of my blog posts here over the years, had they not.

      Tons of hugs & happy Valentine's Day week wishes.
      ♥ Jessica

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