The Royal Opera House Collection contains production photography, illustrations, designs and exclusive behind the scenes imagery spanning the entire history of the site since it's inception in 1732.

Highlights of the collection include:

2007-2015 Current production photography - Official approved imagery from every production at the ROH and Linbury Studio including the very latest performances by the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet companies. Visiting companies such as the Original Ballet Russe and the Grand Ballet de Monte Carlo are also included.

1960-1990 Donald Southern Archive - Photographs of all aspects of theatre life including performances, designs, set models, portraits of performers and staff, events such as first night and retirement parties, and the work of the various departments.

1946-1980 Roger Wood Archive - Commissioned by the ROH after the second world war this archive contains colour transparencies, black and white negatives and prints of ballet, opera and theatre productions as well as portraits of dancers, singers, actors, artists, authors and TV personalities. The majority of the collection covers the work of the resident companies at the Royal Opera House, and its touring ballet company.

1946-1950 Frank Sharman Archive - Colour, and black & white, photographs of the Sadler's Wells Ballet Company led by Ninette de Valois and featuring the legendary generation of British dancers and choreographers including Margot Fonteyn and Frederick Ashton. also visiting companies such as the Original Ballet Russe and the Grand Ballet de Monte Carlo.

1901-1901 Edwin O Sachs Archive - photography recording the 1901 installation of new stage and floor machinery designed by architect and theatre engineer Edwin O Sachs. The collection also includes images of various other backstage departments. The photographer was Alfred Ellis of Baker Street, London.

1884-1914 Lady de Grey Archive - A personal collection of singer and actor portrait cards compiled by Lady de Grey during her time as Patron of the Royal Italian Opera (1884-1914).

We do not currently have all material online so if you don't see what you are looking for please get in touch.