Copyright of artistic works

[wendy]

Hi

Can anyone give me some guidance on copyright of artistic works such as
postcards, photographs etc.?

I am putting together a small website for a Local History Society, of which
I am a member (non-commercial, not for profit) and would like to use some
1950-60 postcard images of the town.

I believe that for books the copyright is 50 to 75yrs after the death of the
author - is it the same for artistic works?

Also, if I take a photograph of a postcard or painting etc. I presume that I
would own that images copyright. But, can I publish on the web my photograph
of someone else's artistic work?

TIA

[JM]

wendy wrote:
> Hi
>
> Can anyone give me some guidance on copyright of artistic works such
> as postcards, photographs etc.?
>
> I am putting together a small website for a Local History Society, of
> which I am a member (non-commercial, not for profit) and would like
> to use some 1950-60 postcard images of the town.
>
> I believe that for books the copyright is 50 to 75yrs after the death
> of the author - is it the same for artistic works?

I believe so.

> Also, if I take a photograph of a postcard or painting etc. I presume
> that I would own that images copyright. But, can I publish on the web
> my photograph of someone else's artistic work?

If your photograph substantially consists of the original artistic work
(e.g. a photo of the work itself), then you cannot (unless it is out of
copyright). If, however, the picture happens to include the art in the
background then you are free to publish your image.

John.