The Belfast Archive Project
The Belfast Archive Project is a unique opportunity to preserve and present our vanishing photographic heritage. The ‘Project’ has been and continues to be entrusted with collections of photographic prints, negatives, slides, and moving
film by both local and international creators. Because these physical mediums are at constant risk of environmental deterioration, our immediate priority is physical preservation and digital restoration.
Our ultimate mission is to rescue these irreplaceable historical records from decay and transform them into living resources for the public.
A Collective Memory: From Amateurs to Professionals
History is not just defined by major political milestones; it is lived daily on our streets, in our workplaces, and within our homes. To reflect the true spirit of our shared past, the Belfast Archive Project actively sources imagery
from a diverse range of contributors.
Our unique, expanding collection bridges the gap between different perspectives by featuring the work of:
- Respected Documentary Photographers: Visual icons who have intentionally captured social shifts, conflict, and community evolution over decades.
- Local and Regional Auteurs : Candid, everyday snapshots that offer an authentic, unfiltered look into working-class life and local traditions.
By giving equal historical weight to professional archives and amateur snapshots, we build a multi-layered, democratic record of our social history.
Bringing History Back to the Community
We believe that a preserved archive only truly comes alive when it is shared. To keep our photographic heritage a vital, inspiring part of our future, the Project focuses on creating meaningful public access through three core pillars:
- Curated Public Exhibitions: Partnering with major cultural institutions, such as the
Ulster Museum, to showcase acclaimed exhibitions like the Bill Kirk Archive
, Frankie Quinn’s Family Album, and the historic Bell Archive
.
- Digital Galleries & Open Resources: Actively scanning and cataloging negatives, Kodachrome slides, and 8mm/16mm moving film to build an expansive, searchable online database for researchers, historians, and the public.
- Print Publications: Producing high-quality books and deep-dive photographic essays that preserve these visual narratives in a permanent, tangible format.
Through preservation and public engagement, the Belfast Archive Project ensures that our shared visual legacy remains an active part of our cultural future.
Board Members
Frankie Quinn
Rudie Goldsmith
Raymond O’Regan
Manfred McDowell
Matthew McCoy