The National Gallery in London is allowing visitors to take photographs of its collection for the first time, after relenting in a losing battle against smartphones.

Until the end of July, the gallery had banned all photography by members of the public, but staff found it increasingly challenging to differentiate from when guests took photos on their phone or were simply using the gallery’s free wifi to research the works online.

The gallery will now permit visitors to take photos using their phones and standalone cameras. The decision means the National Gallery has fallen in line with the majority of the UK’s museums and galleries by allowing the photography of its permanent collection.

The museum does, however, continue to uphold a ban on flash photography and tripods, while some temporary exhibitions and certain pieces will be marked as not for photography.

With technology an ever increasing presence in UK attractions – including Google Glass, Oculus Rift, video games and an array of other new technology – elements such as ‘digital reach’, social media influence and high quality tech installations are becoming ever important for museums and galleries so as not to seem outdated, and to effectively spread the word on what they have on offer.