Published 25/10/2021
Rights managed, managed right
We are the world's leading specialists in delivering fine art, cultural and historical media for reproduction.
Need a video of Tolstoy in his garden? Or a photo of Tutankhamun's tomb? We have more than 4 million image and video assets covering every theme and period, from across the world.
How we help image seekers
From art to science, fashion to religion our images and footage are used globally in:
- advertising campaigns
- apps
- book covers
- editorial content
- interior design
- mobile phones
- print on demand (POD)
- TV and film
- websites
We add exciting new content to our website every day. Each image and video have been meticulously catalogued with industry-leading metadata and keywords. Search for something as general as 'bridge' or as specific as 'Claude Monet Japanese Bridge'. Set your own date span or colour theme. You can even upload a low-resolution image to see if we have its high-resolution twin.
Expert help
Our experienced picture researchers are on hand to use their creative input and practical experience to help find and supply the perfect image for you. You can also brief them to select images based on your specifications in record time.
Still can't find what you are looking for? With offices in London, Paris, New York, Berlin and Bologna, we can work with our partner museums and archives to source the perfect image. We are never dispirited - however difficult the request may be!
Simple. Fast. Reliable.
Once you've selected your image, we clear reproduction rights simply and quickly. We also offer free advice on how to clear an artist's copyright if additional permission is needed.
How we help image creators and owners
Bridgeman Images has been clearing copyright and reproduction rights on behalf of artists and artists' estates since 1972. We represent thousands of image suppliers including:
- auctioneers
- artists
- galleries
- institutions
- libraries
- museums
- photographers
- picture libraries
- private collections
- stately homes
- universities
Exceptional quality. Professionally catalogued.
Using the latest technology, we work with owners to create high resolution reproductions of their collections. We professionally catalogue these works and administer their reproduction rights to the best advantage of both owners and clients.
Revenue to support the art world
Bridgeman Images pioneered the model of sharing a significant proportion of licensed income with our image suppliers. Over the years this has provided millions of pounds for conservation, restoration, exhibitions and acquisitions.
A fair deal
Our many decades in copyright and licensing give us a unique insight. We lobby for legislation on behalf of rights owners and licensees to protect their rights and make legal processes more efficient. We also pursue those who illegally breach the copyright of our images and arrange compensation on behalf of their owners.
Our story
Founded by Lady Harriet Bridgeman CBE F.R.S.A in 1972, Bridgeman Images provides a digital resource of fine art and archive footage reproduction by creative professionals. Images include everything from the exclusive hidden treasures of private collections to the masterpieces of national museums.
Our collection of photographic reproductions spans centuries of visual communication, including:
- anthropological artefacts
- contemporary art
- decorative arts
- documentary footage and video
- early and modern photography
- maps
- newsreels
- paintings
- sculpture
- textiles
Our mission
To make the best of the world's art available for reproduction to support museums, artists and collections.
What is meant by Bridgeman Artists and Estates?
Artists and their estates sign up to this service to benefit from our expertise and commercial awareness. We promote their images to our international client base, administer their copyright on their behalf and return to them a percentage of the fees received - retaining only what is required to cover our costs.
How it works
Artists can place a selection of images with us, granting us rights to license those specific images at our discretion. Or they can place their whole copyright under our administration. This flexibility allows us to build up a compelling and diverse collection.
Our customers love the simplicity of using Bridgeman Artists and Estates. We sort out the copyright clearance and fee. They get the security of securing all the legal rights they need for their project.
Discover our Bridgeman Artists
Museums and Collections
We partner with everyone from historical societies to large museums, historic houses and galleries to universities, footage collectors and auction houses. Our photographic reproductions allow many unseen treasures to be accessible to a global audience for the first time.
Our partners include:
As with the artists we represent, Bridgeman Images shares a significant proportion of the reproduction fee with the museum or collection.
Take a look at our Museums and Collections
