VADS (Visual Arts Data Service) is a unique repository of images created and managed by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) Library.
They have just released a new website, and the updated VADS offers improved access to its archive of over 140,000 images from 300 different UK collections – all available free for use in education.
VADS’ images cover the broad range of the visual arts including applied arts, architecture, design, fashion, fine art, and media. Everything from impressionist paintings to wartime posters, fashion photography to ceramics and furniture is available for use, organised by collection and also fully searchable. It contains work by thousands of artists and public institutes, including places such as The Imperial War Museum, The RCA, UAL , the Women’s Library, as well as The Frederick Parker Chair collection, which we house at London Met.
To explore the collection and find out how you can use its images in your academic work, go to https://vads.ac.uk
Carved beech upholstered winged arm chair, The Frederick Parker Chair Collection: London Metropolitan University. © Frederick Parker Foundation
