‘Natural Images’ Project: Re-discovering the photographic collections at Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales

Abstract

In 2011, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales embarked on a project to digitize a selection of its historic photography holdings. It was the first time that the collections were looked at holistically. The project brought together curators from all collecting areas, encouraging cross departmental engagement, and brought to light collections that spanned numerous departments. How were collections chosen for digitization? What lessons were learned? The issues of incomplete metadata, the use of multiple numerical references and the varied way in which departments recorded data were just some of the issues faced by the project team. After three years, the rich historic photography collections are not only better understood, but there is now a legacy for further research and public dissemination.