British Institute History
There's general agreement that professional photography emerged in 1842... just three years after William Fox Talbot demonstrated his 'photogenic drawings' to the Royal Institution and the Royal Society. The evidence is in an advertisement suggesting that photographic portraits would make useful Christmas presents - studios were besieged and photography emerged as a profession.
On 28 March 1901, at a meeting at a hotel in Fleet Street, one hundred photographers assembled and unanimously formed 'The Professional Photographers' Association'. Branches were formed in
Our coat of arms
The coat of arms of the British Institute of Professional Photography appears on all of our official stationery. The Institute applied to the
The Achievement of Arms is representative of all the armorial devices which the bearer of Arms is entitled. This is commonly known as a Coat of Arms.
The Escutcheon, or Shield, is the most important part of the Coat of Arms as it bears the actual Charges which are arranged, or Marshalled thereon.
To represent Photography, the action of light on Silver Nitrate was chosen by showing a Rainbow Proper, meaning it's depicted in its full colours, on a Sable, or black, field.
The significance of the Rainbow is threefold. It represents the spectrum, forming white light which is the essence of photography, and its constituents indicate the use of colour. Most importantly, the rainbow was used by the Goddess Iris when she descended to Earth bringing the gift of Knowledge from the gods.
The Motto 'By Light to Knowledge' is a particularly apt aphorism for the Coat of Arms.
The Supporters guard and uphold the Shield. In this case they were granted by special licence since originally they were normally the prerogative of Royalty, Knights and the higher ranks of the Nobility.
The Lion rampant emphasises the connections of the Institute with
The Helmet, with closed visor and facing the dexter, or right, is used by Esquires, Gentlemen, Corporations and similar bodies. Note, the Shield is always described as though it is being viewed by the Knight who bears it.
The Wreath, or Torse, is the rope-like circle of Sable and Argent strands concealing the joint between the base of the Crest and the Helmet.
The Mantling, or Lambrequin, is of unknown origin but it may have given protection from the sun, used to deaden sword blows or worn purely as decoration.
The Crest, modelled onto the top of the helmet, represents the golden disc of the Sun bearing a Demi Lion Rampant and carrying the Flambeau or Torch of Knowledge representing the Institute's Educational System.
The Coat of Arms was unveiled in 1956.
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