Imperial War Museum Collections

If you wish to use IWM images in any product or publication, you will first need to obtain the appropriate permission.

It is however NOT necessary to request permission for the following uses (provided you ensure that the IWM and the negative number are credited with the image):

• PowerPoint presentations
• Teacher's handouts for classroom use
• School projects

Archive images may be used in most commercial products, subject to obtaining appropriate written permission from the Museum.

There are some images that the Museum is unable to licence, and permission to use these images will have to be sought from the relevant copyright holder. The Museum is happy to provide guidance in this respect whenever possible, upon request.

Archive images are not to be used or altered in a way that would trivialise, sensationalise or demean the subject portrayed, or be disparaging of the Museum itself. All Imperial War Museum images are to be used in a manner that befits the seriousness of the subject matter illustrated.

We do not normally allow Imperial War Museum images to be used for advertising or in electronic games. However, exceptions to this rule will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

It is strongly advised for you to seek permission from the Licensing Section well before the date of production/publication, so that any potential difficulties can be identified and resolved at the appropriate stage.

Download a Permission to Use Application Form

Please note that obtaining a copy of a print is a separate process from requesting permission to use it in a product. The purchase of a photograph does not convey any rights to use it in a product and the cost of obtaining a copy of a photograph is not included in the fee for usage. For details on how to purchase a print please go to http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/photos/ordering.htm

To apply
Please submit your request in writing to the Licensing Section, Photograph Archive, Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, UK, or fax +44(0)20 7416 5355 or email photos@iwm.org.uk . When applying for a licence or a quote, please include the following information in your request:

• the invoice address (together with contact name and phone number)
• the type of product the photos will be used in (i.e. book, website, documentary)
• the type of rights you require (see Fees for Usage below)
• the title of the product
• the name of the publisher/producer
• the publication/transmission date
• the negative numbers of the images you are using
• the print run (where applicable)

Acknowledgement
When using Imperial War Museum images we ask that you credit the Imperial War Museum and quote the negative number in the credit line (next to the image where possible). The Museum also requests that a copy of the publication be sent free of charge to the Licensing Section.

Copyright
Under the Public Records Act the Photograph Archive is the national repository for British official photographs within the Museum's remit. Official Crown Copyright photographs are administered by the Museum under licence from Her Majesty's Stationery Office. These official photographs are complemented by the work of commercial and amateur photographers. The Museum is able to licence for usage most of the photographs in its care. Where permission to use a photograph is required by a third party, it remains the responsibility of the user to obtain this.

Works of Art

Many of the images of posters and works of art in the Museum’s collection are either Crown or Museum copyright.  All the images of collection objects are Museum copyright.

Requests to licence any work of art, including posters, should be directed to the Department of Art by email pallwright@iwm.org.uk, telephone +44 (0)20 7416 5215.

Payment
Although licences are provided soon after they are requested, invoices are normally not sent until the date of publication/transmission unless otherwise specified. Payment can be made by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Switch), cheque, International Money Order, or bank transfer. Cheques should be made out to 'The Imperial War Museum'. Payment must be made in sterling. Cheques drawn on foreign banks are not accepted. Payment of invoices by bank transfer should be sent to the National Westminster Bank, sort code 60-60-04, 91 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HZ, quoting IWM account number 70408319, Swift Code NWB KGB 2L and I-Ban Number GB09NWBK60600470404488. The IWM correspondence reference and/or invoice number must be clearly shown.

Fees for usage
These rates are for guidance only. Further details of print runs or uses not advertised are available on application from the Licensing Section.

Other Information on Rates
Please note that the cost of obtaining a print is not included in the usage fee. Use on the cover of a book or clearance for all editions will be higher than the rates shown. Discounts are given for quantity use of IWM photos (10 or more) and further details are available upon application. Please note that the rates listed for books and specialist journals are for print runs of 6,000 - 19,500 only. For quotes on print runs or uses not advertised, or to apply for a licence, please contact the Licensing Section, Photograph Archive, in writing by post, fax or email. For preliminary information on licensing, you are welcome to phone +44 (0)20 7416 5387.