Photographic Archive

		The Photographic Archive consists primarily of black and white photographs of Jewish life in London from the late 19th century onwards, but also reflects the diverse roots of Jewish people in Britain. The majority of images date from the 1900s to the 1940s, focusing on family and working life, and communal institutions.

Many of the photographs were collected in association with specific exhibitions presented by the Museum. Particular strengths include images of Jewish shops and trades such as tailoring and cabinet making, studio portraits of immigrant families, and photographs of family life, including outings and holidays. Wedding photographs include many examples of the renowned East End photographer Boris Bennett.

		There is a large archive of images relating to the Yiddish theatre, including posters, publicity images and scenes from classic Yiddish plays. There are also images of the buildings and activities of Jewish communal organisations such as the Jewish Orphanage at Norwood, the Jews' Temporary Shelter and Jewish youth clubs such as Oxford and St Georges. Both East End Board Schools and Jewish schools such as the Jews' Free School are well represented.

The archive depicts the origins and traditions of immigrants from Eastern Europe, refugees from Nazi Europe and those from the Sephardi diaspora across the Middle and Far East, including Iraq, Iran, Aden and India.