The digitisation and preservation of over 10,000 old photographs, negatives and glass plates in the British Library’s Endangered Archives Programme was a significant project completed in 2006.

The photographic collections of the Ethnographic Institute and Museum, housed in the old royal palace in Sofia, are a treasure trove, comprising 10,000 black-and-white and colour photonegatives, alongside 5,000 photographs, and an additional 5,000 plates. These visual records offer a vivid glimpse into various facets of Bulgarian culture and heritage.

A farmhouse in the village Glozhene, Teteven district, Bulgaria [1956]. Creator: N. Nikolov EAP103/1/1/1.

Capturing a wide array of subjects, these photographs provide invaluable insights into traditional Bulgarian costume, architectural marvels, ceremonial rituals, women's traditional dresses, as well as the everyday customs and lifestyle of the Bulgarian village. They serve as meticulous documentation, facilitating a comprehensive and objective reconstruction of lost cultural phenomena, agricultural tools, folk-style artefacts, and national attire.

Market in Teteven district (Central Bulgaria). Date: 1956. Creator: N. Nikolov EAP103/1/1/4.

By preserving and showcasing these images, the project intended to safeguard a rich tapestry of cultural heritage for future generations. This extensive visual documentation not only offers a glimpse into the past but also serves as a vital resource for understanding the socio-economic dynamics and cultural evolution of Bulgarians during the pre-industrial era.

Photograph from a wedding in Bulgaria. Bulgarian women in traditional costumes. Date: 1962. Creator: G. Vaisilov. EAP103/1/1/76.

Furthermore, these collections represent a unique repository of information, presenting a perspective on Bulgarian life that, as the project concludes, is unparalleled by any other archive in Bulgaria. Through this project, the Ethnographic Institute and Museum endeavours to ensure that this invaluable and diverse cultural heritage remains accessible and appreciated for years to come.

Photographs of boys and girls in traditional costumes. Date: 1962. Creator: G. Vaisilov. EAP103/1/1/80

Digital copies of photographs dating back to the mid-20th century form an integral part of the Ethnographic Institute and Museum archive, compiled as a result of extensive ethnographic, historical, and artistic research activities. These photographs give a multifaceted glimpse into various aspects of Bulgarian culture and society during that period. 

Photograph of two researchers standing at the entrance of a building in Tikhomir village, Kirkovo district. The sign above the entrance reads: ‘Narodno chitalishte’ (Community’s reading centre). Communist slogans are written on the wall next to the entrance of the building. Date: 1962. Creator: N. Nikolov. EAP103/1/1/85.

Among the diverse subjects captured in these images are rural architectural structures providing insights into the building environment of Bulgaria during the mid-20th century. Bulgarian material culture is presented in visual records showcasing a wide array of pottery, tools, kitchen utensils, and other artefacts, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of the region.

A girl carrying fresh water in water buckets. Popsko village, Ivailovgrad district. Date: 1962. Creator: N. Nikolov. EAP103/1/1/88.

The photographs capture scenic vistas and natural landscapes, showing the beauty and diversity of Bulgaria's geographical terrain. These photographs are records of religious structures, icons, and artefacts, reflecting the spiritual and cultural significance of religion in Bulgarian society.

Ploughing in Pastrotsi village, Ivailovgrad district. Date: 1962. Creator: N. Nikolov. EAP103/1/1/89.

The images portray traditional Bulgarian cuisine, food markets, and culinary practices, providing a window into gastronomic traditions and dietary habits. There are photographs capturing festive celebrations, traditional rituals, and cultural ceremonies, illustrating the rich tapestry of Bulgarian customs and traditions. The photographs are visual documentation of traditional Bulgarian attire and costumes, showcasing the diversity and intricacies of regional dress. There are also reproductions or photographs of paintings, illustrations, or artistic representations relevant to Bulgarian culture and history.

A woman in a mill in Teteven region (Central Bulgaria). Date: c 1956. Creator: N. Nikolov. EAP103/1/1/8.

These digital copies serve as invaluable resources for researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts alike, offering a comprehensive visual archive of Bulgarian life and culture during the mid-20th century. Through digitization, the project aimed to preserve these cultural artefacts for posterity and ensure their accessibility to future generations.

Women in a village are getting ready for the wedding in Teteven region (Central Bulgaria). Date: c 1956. Creator: N. Nikolov. EAP103/1/1/14.

Each photograph in this collection serves as a window into Bulgaria's past, contributing valuable insights into its cultural, social, and artistic heritage. We in the Library are excited to share these digital copies with researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts alike, ensuring that this rich cultural legacy is preserved and accessible for future generations to explore and appreciate.

A saddler at work in Divlia village, Radomir district (Western Bulgaria). Date: c 1957. Creator: N. Nikolov. EAP103/1/1/23

A tinsmith, Kilifarevo village, Veliko Turnovo district (Central Bulgaria). Date: c 1957. Creator: Marinov. EAP103/1/1/44/18.

The project digitised a fascinating collection of mid-20th-century photographs, methodically curated from ethnographic, historical, and artistic research endeavours. These photographs provide a rich tapestry of Bulgarian life and culture during this era, capturing a diverse range of subjects.

Saia (a traditional female costume) Date: 1961. Creator: N. Nikolov. EAP103/1/1/61/4.

Milan Grba, Lead Curator South-East European Collections