Archive, Photography and the Language of Administration

by Jane Birkin

This alternative study of archive and photography brings many types of image assemblages into view, always in relation to the regulated systems operating within the institutional milieu. The archive catalogue is presented as a critical tool for mapping image time, and the language of image description is seen as having a life, a worth and an aesthetic value of its own. Functioning at the intersection of text and image, the book combines media culture, archival techniques, and contemporary discourse on art and conceptual writing.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

Jane Mallory Birkin OBE (14 December 1946 – 16 July 2023) was a British and French actress and singer. She attained international fame and notability for her decade-long musical and romantic partnership with Serge Gainsbourg. She also had a prolific career as an actress, mostly in French cinema. In addition to her acting and musical credits, she lent her name to the Hermès Birkin handbag.