Photos of Romanian army in Budapest

Well, this is romanian atitude, not to be able to "sell" what is for sale?

This is not a "Romanian thing".
Most museums in the world have large archive/storage facilities where they keep more than they display to the public. Some of these artefacts may be fragile, damaged or mind-numbingly boring to the general public (although thay may drive one or two enthusiasts sky-high with excitement )

I had the opportunity to see many such collections in my years of research. All curators and museum workers I ever met were approachable and friendly (some were even excited at the idea that someone cared bout their work - they seldom get praise ). In my experience, all you need to do is to seek permission by using the official/proper channels. Most museums have clear access procedures that need to be followed to the letter. If you follow all of these rules, you too can access these documents.

History books are not very popular with publishers because they do not generate enough profit and authors are paid low fees. So, you have a situation in which authors are few and publishers are even fewer, therefore any book that gets published is the result of passion, self-sacrifice and a large dose of risk of bankruptcy.

If you want to publish such a book, all you need to do is to seek the proper permission from those who hold the photography rights, research/write the text, and then find a publisher to print it. It is as "simple" as that.

HTH
Radu

I completely agree with you Radu, but your approach ( and i completely understand it ) comes from an author's/researcher's/extremely passionate person's point of view, i am merely a wannabe model builder and avid history-related books reader

I would never imagine myself going to MMN and ask to consult the archives, it's just too much for my status. Maybe things will change in the future...MNIR at least has a website which is updated with the various expo's and sometimes offers peaks at their archive/exponates, MMN instead does not even have a basic website, Mz. Aviatiei has a very outdated one...

I also hope that Mz. Aviatiei will be able to change their status and be able to at least charge for the entrance and be able to sell various materials, last time i went there a lady that was kind enough to give us directions and info told me that they're not allowed to do anything in that regard.

This post has been edited by muggs on April 13, 2011 09:56 am

MMN has a website: http://www.mapn.ro/smg/muzeumilitar/index.html

The domain has changed a couple of times in the past.

As I said, if you follow the procedures to the letter, they have no reason to refuse you.

There is no "status" that can deny you the right of access. Any citizen that complies with the procedures has the right to access state-owned archives and collections.
If all fails, there is legislation http://www.uaic.ro/uaic/bin/download/Unive...es%20public.pdf

Even if you do not want to write a book, you can still access these archives for your own research as a model-maker as long as you follow the procedures. Such procedures may mean that you may not photocopy or remove items from the archive, but there is nothing stopping you from writing down notes about what you see in the pictures. Some archives allow you to photocopy documents for a fee. Some archives allow you to purchase print copies for a fee. If you really want to access information, there are means and ways.

What Romanian history needs now is a publisher willing to take on such projects. Sadly, history books are not good earners, and books on Romanian history are subject to the even lower levels of demand.

HTH
Radu

Just a short update, i was able to consult the "fototeca" at MMN, i think there are around 300-400 pictures related to WW2 aviation, 95% of them are commonly known or prior to the beginning of the conflict, more like late 30's, unfortunately there's very few with Michael's Cross markings.

There were some interesting shots with HS 129 painted in pro-allied markings but unfortunately the photos were ridiculously small..something like 3x4 cm and the negatives were not available.

The personnel is kind enough but unfortunately there's not much new to be seen, i ordered some copies of Operation Gunn related pics which i haven't seen before.

I also received an answer from the Aviation Museum this week, they are working on a Digital Photo "fototeca" which will be able to be consulted by the wide public !