Local History

A new online archive of historic Dorset images has just been launched by the Dorset History Centre.

Dorset County Archivist, Hugh Jaques, explains that the aim of the archive is for us to view the documents as works of art, rather than simply as information and history.

He also believes that the pictures can provide historical talking points.

Hugh Jacques - Dorset History Centre

"Capturing a sense of time"

He says: "Postcards can be absolutely wonderful at capturing a sense of time and a sense of place, particularly before World War One.

"If there is one that relates to where we live, we like to look at what has changed and what has not."

As well as postcards, the collection also includes maps and old adverts. Hugh's personal favourite is a poster for the Bournemouth International Airshow in 1910, when Charles Rolls, of Rolls Royce, was killed after his plane broke up mid-flight.

"Making connections"

He says: "[The archive] is a way of making connections for people and with people.

"It allows people, for the first time, to purchase good quality copies for their pleasure."

"Beautiful, intricate images"

Rebecca Dunnan is the Principal Conservator at Dorset History Centre and was responsible for getting all the images online.

Although it was a lengthy process, Rebecca insists that the hard graft has paid off and is particularly excited by the inclusion in this collection of engravings by the Dorset artist Sir John Robinson.

Engravings by Sir John Robinson

Rebecca says: "They are such beautiful, intricate images.

"It's a glimpse into how life used to be - a link with the past which is accessible for all. You can even enter the name of your town or village on the database and discover things you didn't even know had happened on your own doorstep."

The full gallery of Dorset images can be viewed at: