Summary heading
Series
A1501, Photographic negatives, single number series with 'A' [Asian] prefix
Function and purpose
This series consists of black and white and colour
photographic negatives, transparencies and prints recording diplomatic visits
to Africa and Asia, produced by Australian
Information Services photographers from 1953 to 1976. The subject range of this large series is
diverse, including photos of foreign dignitaries and officials, trade
delegations, and local people from all over Asia and Africa - including Japan, Malaysia,
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan,
Nepal, Philippines, Ghana,
Zambia, Nigeria.
A major focus of this series was people involved in the Colombo plan. The Colombo Plan was an
economic and social development program for member countries in the
Asia-Pacific region. Programs include educational and health aid, training
programs, loans, food supplies, equipment and technical aid.
Using the series
The
negatives from this series are sealed and frozen and are not accessible for
Preservation reasons. However, the entire set of negatives
have been digitised and are viewable online, using the National Archives
RecordSearch and PhotoSearch databases.
The reference prints are housed in albums, with a detailed explanation
of the persons and context of the photograph included in type. These albums are
accessible through the National Archives reading room in the Parkes office, Canberra.
Caption information from the prints has been added to existing descriptive information
to form the best description online in the National Archives RecordSearch
database. It is best to utilise RecordSearch to view images and find
information in this series because it is the most comprehensive and detailed
representation of this series in its entirety.
System of arrangement and control
From 1953 to 1969 the systems of arrangement was single
number and numerical within each number, and from 1970 onwards it was single
number only. Both systems of arrangement
incorporated the prefix ‘A’, denoting ‘Asian’.
Relationships with other records
Series A1501 is part of the wider group of series
originating from the Department of Australian Information Services. Other
examples of series currently in NAA custody have an ‘A’ prefix, including
A1500, A1200, A1674, A7973, A6135 etc. In 2002 these records were surveyed for
Vinegar Syndrome and those under threat or in stages of deterioration were
progressively repackaged and digitised. The type of attention these series have
received will be an ongoing consideration for Preservation within the NAA.