Gunnie Moberg’s work is important for a number of reasons. It records the historical, social and geographic landscapes of the islands of Northern Scotland in addition to a large volume of photojournalistic work. There were also numerous collaborations with significant writers and poets along with relationships to major cultural figures. Her most significant work is considered to have come from collaborations with Orcadian writer and poet George Mackay Brown with whom she produced a number of books.

The 2 year funded project will see the cataloguing, conservation and digitization of the archive which includes Moberg’s works, notebooks and other materials. There are photographic negatives and transparencies, reference prints, exhibition prints and a manuscript archive. The project will result in a physical and digital repository making the archive accessible both to the local community and the wider world.

Commenting on the award, Gary Amos, Library and Archive Manager, said: "I am delighted at the news of the award particularly as it will enable the archive to stay in Orkney which was very much the wish of Gunnie Moberg’s family and friends. The Library & Archive was felt to be the most appropriate place for the archive enabling it to be both kept in the very best environmental conditions and to enable excellent access to a very important part of Orkney’s history and culture. It has taken a great deal of hard work by my colleagues to get this project off the ground and I would like to sincerely thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for providing the means to finally get the project underway."

Senior Archivist David Mackie, added: "We will be engaging someone to work specifically on the project. Their first year will be taken up with cataloguing, digitization and the creation of a web presence. In the second year we will be looking at ways of providing access to the collection for students and the public, which will include exhibitions within and outwith Orkney. Gunnie focussed her lens on so many different aspects of life in Orkney, Shetland, the Faroes and beyond and it is great news that we will be able to keep her archive together and in Orkney."

Explaining the importance of the HLF support, Colin McLean, Head of HLF Scotland, said: “This is a wonderful project, not just for the fascinating collection of photographs that it has unearthed but because it has sparked an interest in heritage amongst so many people. Their involvement will produce a wonderful archive for others to learn from and enjoy.”

Further information

Gary Amos, Library and Archive Manager, Orkney Library and Archive on 01856 873 166 or gary.amos@orkneylibrary.org.uk.