The SADO Photographic Archive: A Magnificent Addition to CegeSoma's Collections!

A few weeks ago, the archives of the Brussels-based photo press agency SADO were transferred to CegeSoma / State Archives of Belgium.

The SADO archives are unique not only because of their content but also due to the context in which they were created.

The Service Auxiliaire de Documentation, established in 1934 and active until the late 1970s, was one of four photo press agencies authorized to operate under German occupation (1940–1944). Unlike the SIPHO agency, whose (very) fragmentary archives are also preserved by CegeSoma, the owners of SADO were not convicted of collaboration after the war. This was partly because they had provided information to Belgian intelligence networks.

Content-wise, the archives include an impressive collection of positives and negatives on glass plates and film. The archival value of the images purchased or produced before and during the war is evident, but it is not the only reason why this fonds is so significant. SADO photographers produced an enormous number of reportages in the postwar period, documenting political events, socio-economic life, cultural festivities, and sports competitions. They also captured the postwar economic boom through product, advertising, and corporate photography. Joseph Roland, an employee who eventually took over and expanded the company, even specialized in aerial photography.

According to a rough estimate by former colleague Florence Gillet, the fonds consists of around 40,000 photographs, 15,000 glass plate negatives, and 400,000 film negatives. Fortunately, the original order appears to be intact, and all contemporary indexes and repertories seem to have been preserved.

Currently, the archive is in quarantine and, as such, is not accessible until further notice. Conservational measures—particularly replacing the original boxes—are the top priority. The next steps include creating a detailed and efficient inventory and planning the digitization of the most fragile documents.

We will keep you updated on our progress with this project and look forward to sharing the treasures of this new collection with you!