Buy and license images
Our Picture Library is one of the world's finest collections of photography and artworks, recording over 200 years of travel, people, place and geographical discovery.
Find out more about buying and licensing images from the Society's Collections.
RGS Picture Library
Our Picture Library comprises around half a million photographic images and artworks, which date from the early 19th century to the latter part of the 20th century.
Our images are used in the publishing, broadcasting, advertising and education industries.
Contact the Picture Library via email to images@rgs.org or telephone on +44 (0)20 7591 3063.
RGS Print Store
Some of the most iconic and important images and maps from the Society's Collection have been specially selected for the Society’s print-on-demand service.
Visitors to the RGS Print Store can browse and buy prints of photographs, artworks and maps dating from 1553, many of which are unique to the Society. Items can be purchased mounted or un-mounted, and in a variety of sizes, with prices starting at just £16 plus post and packaging.
Every purchase supports the ongoing work of the Society.
Commercial licensing
The licensing of images for commercial use goes through Getty Images. Over 15,000 images can be searched by keyword.
Academic licensing
To request use of our images for research purposes, in academic publications, for family history, or other strictly not-for-profit projects please contact as directly to images@rgs.org
Search our online catalogue
Only a selection of our photographs and artworks have been digitised. Records of all the images in our collection can be viewed online.
Scanning and photography
Scanning and photography of images is subject to the condition of the original and an appropriate fee.
Moving footage
Our film collection is stored at the British Film Institute (BFI) and footage is licensed through their Archival Footage Sales department. Please contact the BFI’s archive footage team directly.
Limited edition platinum prints
A selection of stunning platinum prints created from some of the Society's earliest and most iconic images relating to Antarctic and Everest exploration.
Everest platinum prints
Our Collections hold a remarkable series of photographs from the 1920 and 1953 Everest expeditions. Discover our Everest platinum prints.