Fundraising initiatives are being launched to support the cataloguing and digitization of the collection, which will contribute to the full Historic England Archive, encompassing over 14 million items.

The late Janette Rosing, a noted photographic consultant, amassed this extensive collection over decades, driven by her passion for historical photography after discovering an image of Hartland Quay.

The collection is notable for covering every English county, further underscoring its importance in documenting the nation's landscape.

The acquisition was made possible through the Government’s Acquisition in Lieu scheme, which allows for tax deductions on cultural item donations to museums and galleries.

This collection is significant as it marks a pivotal period in the history of photography, establishing it as a legitimate art form and an important tool for documenting the world.

Historic England has successfully acquired over 8,000 original black and white photographs from the Janette Rosing Collection, which showcases some of the earliest landscape photography of England, captured by prominent photographers from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.

The Historic England digital library already includes over 1.5 million records and nearly 650,000 images, showcasing the rich visual history of England.

Rosing actively sought out new additions to her collection through fairs and auctions, showcasing her dedication to preserving England's photographic history.

Currently, efforts are underway to digitize the entire collection, making these historical images more accessible to the public.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, highlighted the collection's national significance due to its scale and rarity, noting that similar collections have previously auctioned for as much as £70,000.

Ian Savage from Historic England emphasized that each photograph in the collection reflects Janette Rosing's expert eye and connects viewers to their historical heritage, inspiring appreciation for England's cultural legacy.

Overall, the Janette Rosing Collection not only enriches the Historic England Archive but also serves as a vital link to the past, connecting people with their history.