Cambridge University Collection for Aerial Photography

Description Cambridge University Collection for Aerial Photography

Date 1/8/1946

Collection Cambridge University Collection for Aerial Photography

Catalogue Number 551 32

Category All Other

Scope and Content The Cambridge University Collection for Aerial Photography (CUCAP)is the result of airborne survey campaigns which were started in 1947. During its operation, the Royal Commission (RCAHMS) acquired over 5,000 aerial paper photographic prints from CUCAP, without negatives, in order to supplement its own aerial photography library. Elements of this collection were digitised as part of the Historic Environment Scotland Digital Projects team, 2017-2021.

Archive History Copies of CUCAP images were purchased periodically to supplement the record of archaeological and architectural sites held by RCAHMS in its open-access photographic collection (the Green Boxes). In 2018 the mounted prints were removed from the green boxes.

System of Arrangement The prints are arranged by location, using the region/district system and the grid reference system.

Access Conditions Any request for copies of this material should be directed to CUCAP.

Administrative History Cambridge University Collection of Aerial Photography (CUCAP) was officially founded in 1949 by John Kenneth Sinclair St Joseph, who had experience of airborne exploration through his friendship with O G S Crawford (the father of aerial surveying in Britain) and also through his role in the RAF during WWII where he developed skills in aerial photograph interpretation. CUCAP has an online catalogue which contains records of vertical and oblique aerial photographs which date from 1945 and cover the UK as well as NW France, Denmark and The Netherlands. The CUCAP library is based in the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge.

Accruals No further accruals are expected.

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