ICONIC BRITISH MAGAZINE BRINGS 125 YEARS OF HISTORY TO PUBLIC WITH AMBITIOUS DIGITISATION PROJECT

Global brand powerhouse Future plc is adding more than 130,000 assets to its content hub as part of an ambitious project that is bringing British history to life.

The entire archive of Country Life magazine – acquired by Future in 2020 – is being digitised.

More than 130,000 images spanning myriad topics including architecture and interiors, artworks and antiques, gardens and estates, and royalty, will be available to purchase or licence via the Future Content Hub for use in research, exhibitions and online or offline publications.

The images showcase a rich and detailed view of British culture and heritage across 125 years of the magazine’s life.

Mark Hedges, Country Life Editor in Chief comments: “Since its launch in 1897, Country Life has celebrated the British way of life, its countryside, properties, gardens and people.

“The archive is a treasure trove of content including historical buildings, beautiful landscapes and social events. Many of these photographs have appeared in the magazine pages but others haven’t been seen since they were received and the art desk set them aside for some long-forgotten reason.

“Now with the help of technology we are able to bring back the past and digitally scan the various formats – glass plate negatives, large format acetates, 35mm slides. The 130,000+ assets are now in the process of being scanned, unearthing glimpses into a bygone era and documenting British culture and historical heritage for the past 125 years.”