Photography Permit
If you want to use your own camera to take pictures of original documents or images at The London Archives (TLA), you will need to buy a photography permit. Images taken are for private study and research only. If you want to publish material online or elsewhere you may need to apply for a licence - please contact us for more information.
Permits are available to buy in the Information Area at TLA.
Permit Prices
The following permits allow you to take images on a single day.
- £7 - up to 30 images
- £20 - more than 30 images
A five day Photograph Permit costs £80. You can take 30 images or more on five separate days within a 12 month period.
A student discount of 25% is available for £20 and £80 permits on production of valid student ID.
Using Your Permit
All copying is subject to our Document and Image Copying Policy which ensures that the physical condition and the copyright status of the item allow a copy to be made.
- You can only photograph original documents if you are within the Archive Study Area
- You must always work to TLA’s Handling Guidelines
- You must not use flash photography as it may damage archive documents. Film and video recording equipment and the use of tripods are also not permitted
- TLA staff can inspect your photographic equipment if required
- Please switch off the shutter-sounds on your camera / camera-phone and make sure that your photography does not disturb other users
- Images created under the terms of this permit remain the copyright of the City of London and are for your personal research only. If you wish to make use of the copy for the purpose of publication (including use on a website), exhibition or broadcast, or any commercial purpose, you must seek written permission from The London Archives. Please note that copyright and/or conditions of deposit may restrict the use of some items
- Photographs are taken at your own risk. Please pay attention to other users and to any obstructions. Do not stand on furniture in any part of the archive