Image credits (left to right): Courtesy of Michael Christopher Brown/Human Rights Watch; Courtesy of the estate of Tim Hetherington/Human Rights Watch; Courtesy of Peter Bouckaert/Human Rights Watch

‘Through carefully collated photographs, documents, artefacts and video this exhibition will shed light on the recent history of Libya,’ say organisers.

‘The exhibition will highlight photography’s role in recording and documenting an important period in Libya’s history that we can only now begin to truly understand.’

The archive, which includes more than 1,000 images, was found by Peter Bouckaert, emergencies director at Human Rights Watch, and recorded and photographed on site.

‘All original materials were left where they were found after being photographed, or have since been returned to the National Transition Council in Libya.’

The Gaddafi Archives – Libya Before The Arab Spring will go on show from 21-29 June (as part of the London Festival of Photography) at the Slade Research Centre, Woburn Square, London WC1H OAB. Entry costs £7.50.