On 25 March 2025, ICCROM's Director-General, Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, had the pleasure of signing an agreement to receive a generous donation to the ICCROM Archives — an invaluable photographic collection by Tito Spini and Giovanna Antongini.
Giovanna Antongini, an anthropologist, and Tito Spini, a former architect, art critic, journalist and filmmaker, both have made important contributions to the field of conservation, particularly in Africa.
Their expertise has shaped major international projects, including the UNESCO-led conservation of the Musée Historique of the Royal Palaces of Abomey and the restoration of King Behanzin's Palace (1995–2004). They also played a key role in rehabilitating Porto-Novo's historical heritage in Benin (2001–2002).
On this particular occasion, Director-General Gujral and Giovanna Antongini signed the agreement that ensured the transfer of this exceptional photographic archive. Spanning 28 boxes, the collection comprises approximately 17,500 images, including slides, negatives, and photographic prints in both black-and-white and colour. It captures a vast array of subjects, from urban landscapes and sacred sites to traditional art forms such as masks, textiles, jewellery, and portraits of communities with rich cultural traditions, including the Dogon, Bozo, Kassena, and Lobi peoples. Covering countries across West Africa (Benin, Mali, Togo, Senegal, Burkina Faso) and Central Africa (Cameroon), the archive offers an unparalleled visual chronicle into the cultural heritage of these regions.
This generous donation is a testament to Mr Spini and Ms Antongini's lifelong commitment to preserving Africa's cultural legacy, particularly in documenting the meaning of these landscapes to local communities and how are experienced by them. Their work enriches ICCROM's Archives, ensuring that future generations can access and learn from this extraordinary visual heritage.