London, UK – 25th January 2022: SmartFrame Technologies, a UK-based SaaS technology provider specializing in image streaming, is pleased to announce that Tate Images, the image library of Tate, has started to roll out the company’s technology for its online platform.

The agreement brings SmartFrame’s proprietary image-streaming system to hundreds of artworks within the Tate Images site. To date, the integration has seen approximately 700 images converted to SmartFrames, and more will follow as Tate Images uploads the latest photography to the collection.

Images on the site that had previously been displayed as conventional, low-resolution JPEGs now feature a range of SmartFrame’s features. This includes SmartFrame’s proprietary Hyper Zoom technology, which allows online audiences to zoom into full-size views of images to scrutinize their finest details, together with a full-screen viewing option and expandable captions.

With SmartFrame’s image-streaming technology powering the display of these images, the collections are protected against unauthorized image downloads, such as those from right-clicks and drag-and-drop actions. The principle of image streaming also allows for the use of images in a much higher resolution than was previously possible, which not only delivers a superior viewing experience for users on modern, high-resolution displays, but also allows for deeper zooming with SmartFrame’s Hyper Zoom feature.

Additionally, all SmartFrames found on the Tate Images sites are equipped with a sharing panel. This provides viewers with the option to share links with previews to images across a variety of social media platforms, in addition to emails and elsewhere, helping to increase reach and visibility. SmartFrame’s technology ensures that only low-resolution previews are shared, which keeps original images protected while also encouraging users to click through for the full SmartFrame experience.

Thanks to the power of SmartFrame’s image-streaming and embedding technologies, Tate Images is also able to take advantage of detailed analytics on image popularity and user interaction, helping the organization better understand how its content is being viewed and used. 

“We’re thrilled to be working with such an esteemed organization as Tate, and helping it to deliver high-quality images across its image platform, in a controlled and protected manner,” said Peter Shackleton, Business Development Director at SmartFrame Technologies. “Collections such as these must be made available for audiences to fully appreciate, enjoy and engage with, wherever they may be located, but in a way that’s balanced with the institution’s duty of care to its collections. Our technology allows Tate Images to achieve these goals, while also ensuring that image interactions provide many useful details regarding audience expectations when it comes to digital presentation.”

“It’s wonderful to be able to bring our collections to audiences on a global scale, but in a way that ensures that protective measures do not compromise the viewing experience,” explains Clive Coward, Tate Images Manager. “The ability to deliver an online experience on the same level as that enjoyed by those viewing collections in person has always been a challenge, so we’re delighted to be able to use SmartFrame’s image-streaming technology to help us bridge this and allow visitors a deeper engagement with the artwork, wherever they are in the world.”

You can see the integration here. For further information please visit www.smartframe.io

 

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About SmartFrame Technologies


Founded in 2015, SmartFrame Technologies is a London-based software provider that’s redefining the digital image standard. Its SmartFrame platform allows content owners and brands to protect their assets and present them in the best possible way, while also allowing publishers to source and embed high-quality images, and for everyone involved to generate new revenue streams by way of in-image advertising.

 

About Tate Images

Tate is one of the world’s leading art institutions. Its mission is to increase the public’s enjoyment and understanding of British art from the 16th century to the present day, and of international modern and contemporary art. Its Collection, shown at Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and Tate St. Ives, consists of over 70,000 artworks. These include iconic British masterpieces by Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable, JMW Turner, David Hockney, Henry Moore, Tracey Emin, Cornelia Parker, Paula Rego and Gwen John and modern international art from Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol and Andreas Gursky.

Tate Images is part of Tate Enterprises Ltd, the trading arm of Tate. Tate Enterprises’ mission is to maximise profits and extend the value of Tate’s brand, and to support Tate’s work and collection through books, products and services.  All profits from Tate Enterprises Ltd are given to Tate each year. This plays a vital role in contributing to the upkeep of a number of departments including conservation, photography, education, research and curatorial.

Tate Images is a Member of BAPLA (British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies), the UK trade association for picture libraries and agencies. Its mission is to support, inform and protect the interests of its members on a national and international level.

 

 

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