How do I search for pictures?

To browse, click on any of our collections or themes listed on the home page.

To search for specific images, enter your keyword or keywords in the search box on the right hand side of the screen, then click search or press enter on your keyboard. If you already know your image ID number (eg: 0003320001), enter this number into the search box to view the thumbnail image.

You can refine your search by ticking 'search within these results' from the search results page and you can also use the orientation filter (horizontal or vertical).

The Preview page

To view the images in more detail and to see the full caption information either click on the image itself, or on the magnifying glass icon below the thumbnail.

Are all the images in the Picture Library available online?

No, but we are adding new pictures on a regular basis.

How do I use lightboxes?

Lightboxes are like folders for organising your images. If you are a registered user you may save them to revisit on another day. You can create, copy, delete, view, email and print a lightbox from the bottom frame of the search results page.

Advanced Lightbox

The Advanced lightbox allows you to rearrange images in a lightbox, move or copy images from a lightbox to another lightbox, add a note to each image and add a comment to a selection.

How much do our pictures cost?

How do I use the shopping basket?

How do I credit pictures from BM Images?

Our credit line is © The Trustees of the British Museum. This is an essential part of the agreement and a stipulation of your Reproduction Licence.