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: Photographs of old masters and copyright
: Andrej K April 05, 2016, 09:59:18 AM

Hullo,

I am rather stuck and need some help in finding out what's possible.
We're preparing a small book for publishing (non-fiction translation) and we fancy putting on the cover a photograph by Margaret Bourke White, Cologne 1946 - a Mass being celebrated in the derelict cathedral.
Now the question is - where can I find information about copyright? Or is a photograph that old in Public Domain? How can I make sure? I don't want to go into troubles for unauthorized use...

Thank you for any help and suggestion

: Re: Photographs of old masters and copyright
: Late Developer April 05, 2016, 12:12:08 PM

I'm no expert on this topic but if I was faced with the question, my starting point would be to contact the publisher of Margaret Bourke White's work to see if they can help with identifying the publishing / licensing rights. 

: Re: Photographs of old masters and copyright
: Francois April 05, 2016, 01:50:21 PM

Actually, simply contacting the publisher of any book containing her images will point you in the right direction.

: Re: Photographs of old masters and copyright
: scapevision April 05, 2016, 05:13:23 PM

Usually if stuff is very old it becomes a public domain, you gotta see what the age requirement is.

: Re: Photographs of old masters and copyright
: imagesfrugales April 05, 2016, 10:25:57 PM

This is for once pretty straightforward at least in Germany. Copyright expires 75 years after the death of the originator. But does it apply to the Cologne 1946 photograph?

: Re: Photographs of old masters and copyright
: Andrej K April 06, 2016, 11:39:57 AM

Thanks for your suggestion, I will try the publisher route... Luckily there is plenty of time, the book should appear in the autumn.
(The "worst" case scenario is that we'll be obliged to put on the cover one of my photographs.. :) )