British Library Images Online
Find and buy pictures from our unique collections
Who we are
Images Online is the picture library of the British Library, the national library of the United Kingdom. We host some of the nation’s best historical collections, in many different languages from across the world, including the private collection of King George III which is housed in the King’s Library.
Our images are used worldwide, in books, theses, exhibitions, documentaries and products. We are proud to be able to bring such wealth in images to be viewed by the many, and enjoyed by the masses, and we are always here to guide and assist all visitors to our site.
What we offer
Images Online gives you instant access to thousands of the greatest images from the British Library's vast collections. You will have access to all the Library’s "Treasures" including:
- Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures Under Ground [in Wonderland]
- Sultan Baybars' Qur'an,
- The Lindisfarne Gospels
- The Golden Haggadah.
You will also see some beautifully decorated Manuscripts and Rare Books. Captivating watercolours from Asia, subtle ornate details in Illuminations; intriguing maps and landscapes from journeys across the world.
Request permission to use a British Library image
Bridgeman Images is the British Librarys' exclusive UK agent since 2017, the team deal with request for Commercial use, print runs over 1000 and TV rights. This is solely for UK clients!, Bridgeman will supply the image(s) and pemission. Send all requests to: uksales@bridgemanimages.com.
Image Quality
All images purchased for download are high-resolution JPEGs at 300PPI in the Adobe RGB (1998) colour space.
Every image supplied contains IPTC metadata for credit and copyright purposes, including British Library shelfmarks.
We are able to supply high-resolution TIFFs if needed, please contact us for details.
Free download
Please note that all images on Images Online except for those in Copyright are available to download as JPEGs free of charge at dimensions of 2000px (long-side) at 300 PPI. This is sufficient quality to print up to A5. Please use the Free Download option in the drop-down menu when selecting images. Any image(s) downloaded this way are free to use without restriction. The images are not made available as Public Domain, and will need to be credited © British Library Board (including the shelfmark, folio/page number) when used.
Culturally Sensitive Images
For reasons of history - cultural, imperial and mercantile - our collection is one of the most international of its kind anywhere in the world, with items reflecting all major languages groups and faiths. The images produced were in different locations, at different times, and in different historical moments.
Inevitably, items in the collections reflect the approaches to research at the time when they were produced and attitudes of those who created them. Users should be aware that some of the representations of people or cultures are offensive by today's standards and that others were also controversial at the time of their creation.
Ask Away
Is there a British Library image you have seen and unable to find?
OR
Do you have enquiries regarding permissions, or a more general question?
T: +44(0)20 7412 7614 (Images Online/Sales)
T: +44(0)20 7412 7246 (Brand Licensing)
Contact us