The Design Collection has just been launched. This is an online subscription service that gives access to over 1,000 heritage designs. By opening up these rarely seen designs, The National Archives hopes to inspire artists and designers to produce new and exciting works:

• artists can look for inspiration from colours and textures used through the ages
• fashion designers can create new ranges inspired by, and rooted in heritage
• interior design brands can see original, bygone styles and give them a contemporary twist for modern homes
• art colleges can provide their students with access to an accurate record of design and manufacturing history.

Users can filter by pattern, theme, colour and date range to find the designs that appeal to them the most, and they can download an unlimited number. More designs are being added to the collection on a regular basis.

The limited introductory offer, which runs until 28 January 2015, gives 70% off the first year's subscription. Under this offer, an annual subscription for an individual costs £75 (full price £250). The cost of an annual subscription to a multi-user account is dependent upon the number of users and organisation type.

The National Archives holds almost three million registered designs, dating from 1839 to 1991.

So please take a look at the new online service – and let us know what you think.

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Fleur Soper | Collections Knowledge Manager | Archives Sector Development 

The National Archives | Kew | Richmond | Surrey TW9 4DU | 020 8392 5330 x2548  Archiving the Arts resources