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PAN 60second Interview - Suzanne Viner - Advertising Archives

Suzanne Viner (above) runs the Advertising Archives Library
The Advertising Archives was established in 1990 by Larry and Suzanne Viner and is the largest and most comprehensive resource of its kind in Europe. Our collection comprises over 1 million catalogued images – 50,000 of which are searchable online.

What age did you leave school?
17… then University, but believe you should keep on learning to stimulate the grey matter… am now back at “school” learning Italian.

Where do you live?
Cricklewood or Hampstead depending on whether you’re buying or selling! Actually it’s called Child’s Hill.

How did you get into the picture library business?
Turned mad husband’s hobby for collecting thousands of old magazines into a commercial venture in 1989.

What were you doing before that?
Fashion buyer for M&S.

How many staff at the library?
Enough for a volleyball team.

How do you source your content?
People regularly contact us when their elderly relatives die and leave huge magazine Collections, we also act as valuers for Christies and Sotheby’s re ephemera, so get to make offers for these, we attend auctions all over the UK and abroad, travel to the States in search of Americana, and keep up with current Press and TV advertising.

What are they scanning at the moment?
Fabulous new acquisition of rare 1940s Woman’s Own Magazines in mint condition.

Describe your morning?
2 double espressos, the gym or swim, reply to emails and deal with US requests that might have come in overnight, check papers for usages.

Which picture library web site has recently caught your eye?
Always impressed by Mary Evans, Bridgeman and Wenn……. But we are most proud of our site, which gets positive comments from clients almost every day.

Which websites do you visit daily other that PhotoArchiveNews.com?
“Google”, usually to identify certain models that we have been asked for or check on illustrators; “Toptable” to keep tabs on the great London meal deals that they offer.

Which newspapers and magazines do you read regularly?
Have to flick though all the papers, prefer The Times and Guardian. Usually read Vogue, Marie Claire, US Vogue, US Allure loads of the Sunday paper supplements, a few gossip mags (only for research of course!) and Psychologies (one of our lovely picture researchers recently went to work there).

When did you last pick up a camera?
Last night was photographing our Golden Retriever Dodger as he looked so adorable! Last week was shooting John Travolta over afternoon tea at The Soho Hotel. (Honest!)

What are you doing when you are not selling photos?
Tennis, BAFTA screenings, trying new restaurants, travelling, searching for the perfect Martini.

Favorite food?
All shellfish but especially Oysters…… just with lemon juice.

Cinima or pub?
Cinema…. Preferably with its own bar (The Tricycle).

Ideal Friday night?
Sushi takeaway at home with my mad husband Larry and amazing kids Dylan and Amber.

Ideal holiday destination?
Which season? My specialist subject….. how much time do you have?

Lastly what advice would you give to any new picture library.
Design a clear, user-friendly website, but don’t neglect the personal contact with your clients. We’re all people, after all, and everyone remembers a friendly voice more than a click on the computer keyboard.

http://www.advertisingarchives.co.uk

Posted by Will Carleton
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