Perfect Pictures database

The Perfect Pictures Public Library database contains approximately 60,000 images – representing about 10% of the total holdings of the AIATSIS Pictorial Collection.

Images are added to the database on a regular, ongoing basis as collections are digitised. Images are selected according to the popularity of collections, the depositor’s access conditions, digitisation priorities, and with the aim of presenting a broad cross-section of holdings in terms of subject and geography.

Please Note: This Database includes images of people who are now deceased which may cause sadness and distress to family members. Historical photographs and text the reflect 19th Century attitudes and concepts in the portrayal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Contains images of people in traditional attire.

Perfect Pictures database is ony available for viewing in the AIATSIS Library Reading Room. Click here to find out about visiting the library.

Obtaining photo quality reproductions of Database images

If you wish to obtain a photo-quality reproduction of any of the images you see on the Perfect Pictures Database, you will need to fill out an Enquiry to Audio Visual Archive form.

Photographic reproduction of images contained on the Database is subject to the depositor’s access conditions and there is a 4 week turnaround time for this service, depending of conditions of access.

Access Unit staff will advise as to the cost of this service and can provide details of the Return of Materials to Indigenous Communities (ROMTIC) scheme upon receipt of your completed enquiry form.

*NB – Mervyn Bishops photographs are not currently available for copying without his permission.

Perfect Pictures screen