IWM Collection: Early Aviation

IWM holds an extensive digital collection of early aviation photography 

This dataset provides reliable structured data on 900 images relating to the early years of aviation in IWM's collections.

With specifc data on aircraft types, uses and engines, these photographs enable accurate identification and classification of objects, as well as being commercially safe for licensing, suitable for scholarly and AI applications.

The evolution of aerial warfare from 1914-1918

IWM holds an extensive collection of First World War aviation photographs detailing the evolution of aerial warfare from 1914-1918 from sources including official Air Ministry records, press photos, and private collections. The collection spans British, Allied, and German aviation, featuring reconnaissance, fighters, bombers, and airships.

Along with this dataset, many more early aviation photographs have been digitised and available to view on IWM Collections Online.

A trusted resource

Imperial War Museums (IWM) is a British national museum founded in 1917 to record the story of the Great War and later expanded to include all military operations in which British or Commonwealth forces have been involved.

IWM’s collections are a multi-media resource representing the human experience of conflict. As the official repository for materials produced by British government entities including the Army Film and Photographic Unit (AFPU), IWM holds delegated authority from The National Archives to license the re-use of Crown Copyright archival film and photographs.

Contact IWM's Image and Film Licensing team to translate historic collections into successful products.

Image: IWM (Q 58461)