Endangered Photo Collections about the Participation of Preindustrial Bulgaria in Three Wars in the Beginning of the 20th Century

Abstract

The resources of the modern technology presuppose an initiative development in order to unite the efforts and activities for the collaboration in digitalization of the most important pieces of cultural and historical heritage. In a number of cases they have received the support of scientific projects for the creation of an open communication environment with a purpose of promoting the cultural values of the community. This report presents work on a research project for the conservation of cultural heritage at risk. The problem is with national priority and occupies a significant place in the European integration process. The two collections with which we apply in the British Library need special attention due to their poor structural condition even at the time of their transfer to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences more than 50 years ago. The first collection was created by Colonel Petar Darvingov and consists of 3100 black and white old photos, maps and sketches. The second collection of Aleksandar Bozhinov contains 2050 old photos, sketches, caricatures and cartoons with pencil and ink. The documents have an exceptional historical and informational value, but their physical conditions hinders their scientific use. The creation of digital copies will enable working with them, which in turn will protect the originals from further damage. The copied documents will build a distinct insurance fund and the institution will be able to broadcast scientific information through various forms of promotion of the fund – exhibitions, presentations, etc.