Acquisition of archive material

In 2010 the Library acquired an extensive archive of material by John Blakemore, widely regarded as one of the finest photographers and printers in the United Kingdom. The acquisition was made possible through grants from The Art Fund, The MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Friends of the National Libraries.

The acquisition will enable the Library of Birmingham to document, display and disseminate knowledge about the rise of independent photography in Britain in the 1970s and the related debates about the medium as an autonomous means of self expression within the field of the visual arts. The acquisition also enables the Library to further fulfil the aim, stated in our acquisition policy, to become the major repository documenting the important role which Midlands-based photographers have played in the history of British photography.

"I like the idea of my archive, having become used to the idea that I have such a thing, being housed close to my birthplace, and to the areas where the bulk of the work has been made.

John Blakemore 2008