| Level | SubSection |
| Ref No | GUA/6/9 |
| Title | Picture library records |
| Date | c1910-c2000 |
| Extent | 801 boxes |
| Creator Name | Manchester Guardian; Picture Desk |
| Description | Photographic prints and negatives from the picture libraries of the Guardian in Manchester and London. |
| Admin History | The Manchester Guardian began using photographs in the early 20th century and employed its first staff photographer, Walter Doughty, in 1908. A picture library was originally established in Manchester and a separate library was created in London following the relocation of major editorial departments in the 1960s. The Manchester Library and darkroom was closed in the 1980s but the London library was maintained as a working picture library up until c2000. However, the introduction of digital technology led to a gradual decline in use and eventually the London library was also closed. The picture libraries were transferred to the GNM Archive and have been repackaged and catalogued. Original order of the libraries has been retained throughout. |
| System Of Arrangement | Original order of libraries retained. Titles of series are either prefixed as London or Manchester denoting which picture library the prints originate from. |
| Access Status | Open |
| Format | Photograph |