Photographic Services and Copyright – FAQ

No, only 156,000 objects from the Museum’s collections are currently accessible online; of these, 145,000 records include one or more images.

If an image is available for downloading, there will be a download symbol under it. Simply click on this symbol to download the file.

Some objects in the Museum’s collections have not yet been digitized. Submit your request using the form.

The majority of online images are high resolution (300 dpi, 8″ X 10″). Though some objects have not yet been scanned in high resolution, their images are of sufficient quality for research. We have opted to make them available online to offer broader access to our collections.

Submit your request for digitization using the form. Consult the price list for more information.

Submit your request for digitization at a resolution higher than 300 dpi using the form.

No, the objects in the collections are subject to a variety of licences.

Images available online can be reproduced in accordance with the conditions set forth in the relevant licence.

The McCord Stewart Museum is allowing the free use of images it has taken of objects and works in its collections that are believed to be no longer under copyright protection. These photographs can be downloaded and reproduced without restriction. However, it is not permitted to compile images to replicate a similar or competing service.

In the case of images under licence, you may have to acquire permission from other sources to reproduce an image (image rights, Trademark Act, etc.). The user must make the necessary verifications before using an image.

The relevant licence is indicated under the image of the object.

The object is still protected by copyright. However, the owner of the work has permitted the image of this object to be reproduced for non-commercial use. A low-resolution image of the object is available for downloading. To obtain a high-resolution file (with the owner’s permission), please submit your request using the form.

For more details on the licence In copyright – Non-commercial use permitted.

The McCord Stewart Museum is unable to definitively confirm the copyright status of this object. However, our examination indicates that it is potentially in the public domain. A low-resolution image of the object is available for downloading. To obtain a high-resolution file, please submit your request using the form.

For more details on the licence Copyright undetermined.

The image of an object that is still protected by copyright cannot be reproduced without the owner’s permission. No images of this object will be available online. To obtain a high-resolution file (with the owner’s permission), please submit your request using the form.

For more details on the licence In copyright.

When an object is no longer protected by copyright, it is in the public domain. Such images can be copied, shared and modified without restriction, even for commercial purposes. A high-resolution image of the object is available for downloading. It is not permitted to compile images to replicate a similar or competing service.

For more details on the licence Public domain.

No.

You are not required to mention the provenance of or attribute an author to an image in the public domain. However, as a cultural institution, the Museum hopes that any images used are accompanied by a note that identifies the keeper of the object.

Example: Artist, title or name of object, date. Object number, McCord Stewart Museum.

The Museum will not provide any images of objects still protected by copyright without proof of permission from the owner of the work. It is the buyer’s job to take the steps necessary to obtain permission. Once this permission has been obtained, a request for use or digitization can be submitted using the form.

Yes, it is possible to obtain a high-resolution image (300 dpi, 8″ x 10″) from a PDF. Submit your request using the form, indicating the object number (name of PDF file) and the page number of the document that contains the desired image.

The PDF format is not suitable for commercial use. To obtain a high-resolution image (300 dpi, 8″ x 10″), please complete the form, indicating the object number (name of PDF file) and the page number of the document that contains the desired image.

No. A high-resolution image in the public domain can be downloaded and used free of charge.

Yes, there is a fee to obtain a high-resolution file.

*The price can vary depending on the special needs associated with photographing the item (hanging it on a mannequin, removing from a frame, etc.).

Note: In addition to reproduction fees, usage fees may be invoiced depending on the planned use of the digital photograph.

We use the online payment platform Square. You will be sent an invoice by email with instructions on how to pay. Once payment has been made, we will contact you about sending the digital files.

You will be emailed a WeTransfer link so you can download the images ordered.

Artist, title or name of object, date. Object number, McCord Stewart Museum

Example: Alexander Henderson, Spring inundation, near Montreal, about 1865. MP-0000.308.5, McCord Stewart Museum
Example: Davenport, Dinner plate, 1830-1840. MC988.1.69, McCord Stewart Museum

Yes, it is possible to use a detail from an image of an object or archival document. We request that you add the word “detail” if you mention the source.

Example: Alexander Henderson, Spring inundation, near Montreal (detail), about 1865. MP-0000.308.5, McCord Stewart Museum

If you would have some information about an object that you would like to share with us, please send an email to reference.mccord@mccord-stewart.ca, noting the object number in question.