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ABOUT

Portrait of UK-based freelance picture researcher Angelika Pirkl at Igloo Picture Research, based in London + Norwich

Hello I'm Angelika Pirkl, a UK-based freelance Picture Researcher & Art Buyer specialised in history, vintage photography, and the arts.

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Background & Experience

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I have over 15 years' experience in the image licensing industry, working for a diverse client base on editorial and non-editorial projects alike, both in digital and print. 


I graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London, with a Bachelor's in European Studies (focused on 20th century history) and also completed a course on Art History at the University of Zaragoza in Spain.

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After my studies, I began my career as a Picture Researcher at Lebrecht Music & Arts Photo Library, whose collection was later acquired by Bridgeman Images. During this time I gained a qualification in Picture Research Skills from Central Saint Martins, College of Art & Design, London. I later led the picture research team at akg-images, a fine art and history picture library, before becoming Managing Director of its London office in 2015. During my employment at both picture libraries I was actively involved in all stages of the image licensing process, from initial image brief through to fee negotiation and rights clearance.

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I set up Igloo Picture Research in 2017 to help clients find those elusive perfect pictures for their projects.

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Services Offered

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I can provide meticulous picture research for trade publishing, academic publishing or television broadcasting, as well as offer a more creative approach to book cover design or non-editorial projects. Falling back on many years' experience in the industry, I can assist with:

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▶ setting & managing picture budgets

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▶ compiling preliminary subject specs from manuscripts

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▶ interpreting image briefs thoroughly & creatively

 

▶ carrying out picture research across a variety of sources - ranging from local and international picture libraries to museums, smaller institutions, private collections or independent photographers

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▶ negotiating licensing fees

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▶ sourcing digital high-resolution image files

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▶ obtaining necessary rights clearances for photographic copyright as well as additional artistic copyright, publicity rights & property rights if required

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▶ keeping accurate records of picture codes, captions, credit lines & licence terms

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I have experience across a range of subject areas, including:

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History | Archaeology | Vintage Photography | Art | Design | Architecture | Fashion | Performing Arts | Culture.

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Projects can be undertaken remotely or in-house.​​

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Languages: bilingual English & German, reading knowledge of Spanish & French.

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View my LinkedIn profile, or contact me for a full CV.

​▶ Click on any image in the gallery above to view full caption & credit information.

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