BACKGROUND
Since the 1980s, The IK Foundation has worked with aerial pictures in a large number of research projects as well as the development of methodology for aerial pictures in natural and cultural history. Through the takeover of early pioneering work (1988) on the subject (Esse Ericsson's Aerial Picture Archive) equally as more recent work/archives by Putte Hallberg and Lars Hansen, "The IK Foundation Collection of Aerial Pictures" spans about 70 years of aerial pictures with a special focus on the southernmost provinces in Sweden.
Through an early collaboration with, among others, the Erna & Viktor Hasselblad Foundation, development, publication and exhibitions of the collection have taken place. Since 2019 IK, in collaboration with the Thora Ohlsson Foundation, has carried out a digitisation of the collection and opened a dedicated department within The IK Workshop Society called iBirdsEye, an open resource for the development of the subject in an interdisciplinary spirit.
THE DESIRE TO SEE A LANDSCAPE FROM ABOVE
Ever since ancient times, people and animals have been curious to reach higher located sites in their landscape – from a block, to a hill or a mountain where they could get an overview and see the context! This curiosity became even greater when man began to fly, first by balloons and later by aircraft, at the same time as photo technology was developed in the 19th century. Learn how this developed in the 20th century up to today's fantastic opportunities with digital resources and drone technology in THE STORY at iBirdsEye.
THE DONATION
The physical archival material – which in addition to pictures also consists of writings, maps, notes, research papers, etc. – was donated during March 2021 by The IK Foundation to The Swedish National Archives (Riksarkivet).
The IK Foundation has chosen this cooperation due to that The Swedish National Archives is one of the country's oldest public authorities. With roots in the Middle Ages, the first archive was established in 1618. In 1878 the National Archives became an independent public authority. In the 20th century, seven Regional State Archives were established to collect and preserve the records of regional and local authorities. In addition to their role as main archives for the authorities, they also care for public archives and the archives of selected private individuals and non-public organisations, including businesses. The National Archives collect and secure records to preserve them for future generations, as part of the common national heritage.
The donation is the beginning of a new era for the material and the subject! The physical archive is given long-term care, whilst the digital material with thousands of pictures is already freely available which will inspire new knowledge, new technology and opportunities – a donation for inspiration to understand various landscapes' Natural & Cultural History. This is an exciting collaboration between The IK Foundation and The Swedish National Archives.
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