Copyright....

[Upatdawn]

If I buy, or am gifted a picture postcard (village life scenes 1800-1920) do I own the card AND the image rights, or just the card? I have some (see below) and (not for profit) wish to do a "then and now" webpage for the village website.....

[crmcatee]

I would have said that was for editorial usage so would be okay as you're using it as a reference point.

I would also put on a © Unknown (if you don't know who actually it lies with) as the minimum you should do.

[DIW35]

You own the card but not the image rights. Same as if you buy a DVD. You own the DVD but not the rights to the contents.

[MOTORVATOR]

Photographs are protected for 70 years after the death of the photographer. However if they are subject to Crown copyright then it applies for a maximum of 125 years; if subject to Parliamentary copyright it applies for 50 years from the taking of the photograph.

I reckon you're safe.

[Upatdawn]

im sure all are over 70 years old, im trying census and parish records to x-refer (possibly) the folk IN the photos too

[Upatdawn]

I would be OK taking a photo from a public place - that would be my property wouldnt it?

[RobDickinson]

You can take a photo of almost anything fro a public place and your fine for copyright and editorial use.