Our Agent in Portugal: AIC Archive Celebrates 25 Years
Maria Guimaraes talks to Bridgeman regarding their successful relationship as agent for Bridgeman images since 1992
Jenny Page celebrates 20 years at Bridgeman
Picture Research Manager Jenny Page knows the archive better than anyone. We get her to reveal her favourite images.
Read moreSimon Marsden (1948 - 2012)
It is with great sadness that Bridgeman announces the passing of Simon Marsden, an artist with whom we have worked for many years, specialising in black and white spooky photography.
Read more
Maria Guimares - joint owner of Stockphoto agency AIC AIC Arquivo Internacional de Cor as an independent company started 25 years ago when the father of the two current owners, Conceição and Maria Guimaraes, turned AIC in an independent operation from the printing company.
How did the partnership with the Bridgeman Art Library come about?
I can’t recall how exactly but it is very likely that as we got to know the breadth and unique content of Bridgeman's archive, we would have recognized the business potential for the Portuguese market and got in touch with a representation proposition. Back then in 1992 there was no internet so all communications were effected through written letters and faxes!
Which of our images are of most interest to the Portuguese market?
From the many years in the business, we have learned that book publishers are the leading market in Portugal for fine art imagery. This tends to be in a historical context like battles, religion, kings and queens but also landscapes, botanicals and maps.
Can you give specific examples of how Bridgeman images have been licensed?
Yes, a designer was working on a whole new concept for re-editions of the Gabriel Garcia Marquez books and Bridgeman images were licensed for ten of the covers. They all have a kind of tropical mood. (see below)
How does the AIC Archive keep ahead?
A new website, a one-stop-shop concept and new approach to clients, in between a few other factors, will be important aspects to deal with in such a competitive market. Access to Bridgeman's unique collections help us to achieve a good position as well of course.
Has the relationship with Bridgeman changed over the years?
Susana Cespedes as the touchpoint person has greatly improved the closeness of the relationship with Bridgeman because all matters are settled faster, questions have immediate answers and we can always count on her. As a result of this mutually beneficial partnership business levels have increased for both companies.
Bridgeman's international network includes offices in four countries and over fifty agents on five continents.