New exhibition showcases history of the Peak District through previously-unseen photographs

Landscapes Unlocked is the first publicly accessible collection from a UK national park and is believed to be the largest collection for the area.

Over the past year, the project team have secured and catalogued the National Park’s unique and extraordinary collection of over 44,000 images documenting decades of National Park history.

The exhibition is a partnership project between the Peak District Foundation, Derbyshire Record Office and Peak District National Park Authority. Thanks to funding of £45,000 achieved through an Archives Revealed grant, the collection is to be catalogued, along with the creation of an online resource.

It is particularly timely as this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Peak District's designation as the UK's first national park.

The exhibit, designed by Ty Abiodun and built by Phil Ratcliffe, will be open until Summer 2027 in Bakewell National Park Centre.

From Autumn, the Picture of the Past project will also see a selection of more than 2,000 images published online and free for personal use.

Anna Badcock, Landscape and Conservation Team Manager at the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to deliver this project, thanks to funding from the National Archives – Archives Revealed programme. The funding has enabled us to secure this unique archive for the long term.

“The images offer a remarkable insight into the early decades of the Peak District National Park. Our Bakewell exhibition brings a small part of the collection to public view for the first time. The collection tells stories of history,

wildlife, agriculture and recreation — celebrating the people, places and traditions that have shaped the Peak District over generations. Into the future, the collection will help us to carry out research into important topics like

landscape change and the impact of tourism."

Roisin Joyce, Director of the Peak District National Park Foundation, added: “This project was a real labour of love from all involved, and we’re so pleased to see it come to life. Alongside generous support from Archives Revealed, we’re incredibly grateful to the Foundation’s donors, whose contributions enabled us to support the launch this project. Protecting and preserving the National Park’s amazing heritage is such an important part of what we do at the Foundation, so it’s fantastic to be part of this incredible and unique archival project.”

Sarah Chubb, Archives and Local Studies Manager at Derbyshire Record Office, said: “We’re delighted that this nationally important photograph archive is now safely preserved at Derbyshire Record Office and can be accessed by the public for the first time. The Landscapes Unlocked exhibition is a wonderful showcase that shows just how varied the images are, and the unique insight they give into the history of our beautiful Peak Park.”