Photography Archive

Overview

The Photography Archive, officially known as the Photograph and Print Collection, within the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik, stands as an unparalleled repository of Iceland's visual history. This collection is not merely an archive but a vibrant 'treasure chest' for anyone keen to delve into the cultural and historical tapestry of Icelanders. It is, in fact, the largest category within the National Museum of Iceland's vast holdings.

Housing approximately eight million photographs, the collection spans from the advent of photography in 1839 up to the turn of the millennium in 2000. Beyond photographic prints, it also meticulously preserves a selection of drawn and painted portraits and scenes of Icelandic daily life dating as far back as the 16th century.

The archive's extensive scope covers a multitude of subjects, from intimate daily life and studio portraits to grand landscapes, industrial scenes, advertising, press photography, and cherished family albums. It is organized into five main sub-collections, including a dedicated Portrait Collection, a comprehensive Photograph and Print Collection, Postcard Collections, Film and Plate Collections, and various Image Collections donated by institutions and companies. A significant portion of this invaluable cultural heritage is accessible through the Sarpur database.

History & Cultural Background

The journey of photographic collection in Iceland formally began at the National Museum in 1908 with the establishment of the Portrait Collection. However, the National Museum of Iceland itself boasts a long and storied history, founded on February 24, 1863. From its inception, the museum has been dedicated to collecting, documenting, preserving, and researching the nation's cultural heritage. The Photography Archive plays a pivotal role in this mission, offering visual documentation that complements and enriches the understanding of Iceland's past and present.

The collection serves as a vital historical record, reflecting the profound societal and technological changes that have shaped Iceland over centuries. It provides a unique lens through which to observe the evolution of the Icelandic nation, its people, and its environment, making it an indispensable resource for researchers, historians, and the general public alike.

What Makes It Special

The sheer scale of the National Museum of Iceland's Photography Archive, with its roughly eight million images, is what truly sets it apart. It represents an astonishingly comprehensive visual chronicle of a nation. What makes it particularly special is its breadth—documenting everything from everyday moments to significant historical events, capturing the essence of Icelandic life across different eras. The inclusion of drawn and painted portraits alongside photographic media offers a richer, more extended historical perspective.

Furthermore, the archive's commitment to accessibility, with a portion of its vast holdings digitized and available via the Sarpur database, ensures that these irreplaceable records can be studied and appreciated globally. The museum also features Myndasalur, a dedicated Photography Hall established in 2004, which hosts temporary exhibitions focused on contemporary Icelandic photographers, demonstrating the archive's relevance to modern artistic expression.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Among the many fascinating stories within the archive is that of Hjálmar R. Bárðarson, a naval engineer and passionate amateur photographer. Upon his passing in 2009, he bequeathed his immense collection of photographs, along with funds for their preservation, to the National Museum of Iceland. His dedication was remarkable; he began taking photos as a teenager after receiving a camera as a confirmation gift and continued throughout his life, meticulously cataloging his hundreds of thousands of images. This extraordinary donation provides an invaluable visual narrative of Icelandic life, history, and its natural environment from 1932 onwards.

An interesting local detail is that Icelandic photographers, due to the nation's small market, often developed a broad range of photographic skills rather than specializing. This led to collections featuring incredibly diverse subject matter, offering a panoramic view of Icelandic society through their lenses. The archive, therefore, encapsulates not just the 'what' but also the 'how' of photography in a unique cultural context.

Visitor Perspective

Located at Suðurgata 41, 101 Reykjavík, the National Museum of Iceland offers more than just its incredible photography archive. It provides a holistic journey through 1200 years of Icelandic cultural history with its main exhibition, 'Making of a Nation.' The visual stories held within the Photograph and Print Collection perfectly complement this broader historical narrative, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the people and events that shaped Iceland.

While the entire archive may not be on permanent display, the museum's rotating exhibitions in the Myndasalur offer recurring opportunities to engage with historical and contemporary Icelandic photography. The museum is designed for a comfortable visit, featuring multi-language audioguides, ensuring that every curious traveler can fully immerse themselves in Iceland's rich heritage. It's a place where every image tells a story, inviting you to witness the past and understand the present of this remarkable island nation.