Collections was set up by Brian and Sal Shuel in 1990. Brian had been a professional photographer for thirty years working for newspapers, magazines, corporate clients and the government as well as building up a vast personal collection of pictures and information on the customs of Britain. Already a member of the British Association of Picture Libraries & Agencies (BAPLA) with his own pictures since 1977 the plan was, and still is, to amass similar collections from like-minded photographers - many of them old friends - which will add up to a comprehensive coverage of the British Isles. We now have around 250 contributors who have provided more than half a million pictures, though we admit there are still a couple of places we haven't covered!

Sal Shuel is really an illustrator whose work has appeared in many publications. Inevitably she became involved in the picture agency business, culminating in eight years as administrator of BAPLA until 1995 when she ‘retired’ - to an even more hectic life as chief editor of Collections!

No 1 son Simon Shuel has been our IT expert since Collections began and now owns the library. A trained graphic designer he still works in this field when he has the time - indeed he designed and produced this web-site and is responsible for everything that goes onto the searchable site, though he didn't design that.

No 2 son Ben is a contributor to Collections but is fortunate enough not to work here, though his wife Laura was a partner for our first ten years. They now live away from London and we miss her very much.

This web-site is being produced entirely by the staff of Collections. The photographers have had absolutely nothing to do with it (except for providing the pictures, of course!). It's not finished yet and will be added to or altered at any time; we would welcome your comments.

Finally, we must thank our 250-odd contributors who have good humouredly put up with us over the years while we harassed unmercifully to fill gaps in our files.