National Art Library
You’ll find a treasure trove of art and design history at the National Art Library, located within London’s V&A Museum.
Open Tuesday to Thursday, 11.00 to 17.00, it offers an unparalleled collection of over one million books, rare manuscripts, and artists’ letters.
Pre-order items through their online catalogue and utilize tailored study rooms. Membership is free with a photo ID and provides access to numerous resources and exclusive spaces.
Specialized services support deep academic research across diverse subjects. By engaging with this rich repository, you’ll uncover unique insights into the evolution of art and design.
Key Points
- Located on Level 2 of V&A Museum in South Kensington, the National Art Library offers free membership with photo ID registration.
- Open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11.00 to 17.00, providing access to over a million books on art and design history.
- Features special collections with rare manuscripts, archival materials, and artists’ letters for in-depth research and exploration.
- Study rooms are available for private research with tailored services for disabilities, allowing requests of up to eight items at a time.
- The library’s online catalogue enables pre-ordering items for efficient access, enhancing the overall research experience.
Visit the Library
When planning your visit to the National Art Library, it’s important to know that the facility welcomes researchers and visitors on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11.00 to 17.00.
Engaging with a variety of library events and workshops can greatly enrich your experience.
These activities often complement the extensive library exhibitions, offering deeper insights into the showcased topics.
The library resources are vast, and pre-ordering items via the online catalogue guarantees efficient use of your time, allowing access to over 2 million objects for research purposes.
Study rooms provide a conducive environment for private study, supported by tailored services for individuals with disabilities.
To maximize your visit, familiarize yourself with the conditions of use and the resources available.
Library Collections
The National Art Library’s extensive collections, encompassing around one million books, offer an invaluable resource for studying the breadth of art and design from medieval manuscripts to contemporary artists’ books.
Within this vast repository, you’ll discover:
- Rare manuscripts like Cipriano Piccolpasso’s *Li tre libri dell’arte del vasajo*, illuminating art history.
- Special Collections featuring archival materials, artists’ letters, and manifestos, which emphasize the book as an object of study.
- Artists Book Visual Database, showcasing a diverse range of materials including the Dyce & Forster collection, auction sale catalogues, and children’s books.
These collections provide a unique lens on the evolution of art and design, making the library an indispensable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Access and Membership
Located on Level 2 of the V&A Museum in South Kensington, the National Art Library offers free membership, requiring only a photo ID for registration.
This no-cost membership provides significant benefits, including access to an extensive collection of fine and decorative arts literature.
As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy privileges such as entry to exclusive study rooms and a serene, inspiring workspace.
The library’s environment is designed to facilitate thorough engagement with materials, enhancing your research and study experience.
Additionally, the card allows you to utilize various on-site resources, ensuring you have the necessary tools for in-depth exploration of the arts.
Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in this rich repository of knowledge and culture.
Research Services
In addition to providing free membership, the National Art Library enriches your scholarly pursuits with thorough research services customized for studying its extensive collection of over one million books and special collections.
Explore a wealth of reference materials and engage in archival research, with access to:
- Rare manuscripts offering unique insights into historical contexts.
- Artists’ letters that reveal personal and professional networks.
- Diverse subjects like prints, ceramics, and textiles.
You can request up to eight items at a time, ensuring efficient use of your research hours.
The library’s specialized services support deep academic exploration, making it an invaluable resource for anyone delving into the intricacies of art history and cultural studies.
Study Rooms
You’ll find the study rooms at the National Art Library are meticulously designed to encourage in-depth research and scholarly inquiry across diverse art forms.
These rooms provide a conducive environment for private study and art exploration, allowing you to explore over 2 million objects from reference collections, including prints, drawings, paintings, ceramics, and textiles. Users can request items in advance and view up to 8 items at a time.
| Access Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| National Art Library card | Required for entry |
| Request Items | Up to 8 items at a time |
| Viewing Appointments | Necessary for rare items |
| Location | V&A South Kensington |
| Available Resources | Extensive collections for art and design |
Secure your library card with current ID and proof of address for access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Anyone Use the National Art Library?
Yes, you can use the library. Membership benefits include access to a serene workspace and vast art literature. While you can’t borrow materials, you can request and view them on-site with your membership card.
Is the V&A Library Open to the Public?
Yes, the V&A Library is open to the public. You can explore exhibition archives and join public tours. Membership is free with photo ID, and a library card grants access to materials and study rooms.
Can You Study in the V and a Museum?
Yes, you can study in the V&A Museum. It offers excellent study spaces and quiet areas ideal for focused work. The library rooms are serene, enhancing your ability to concentrate on reading, studying, and creative projects.
What Time Does the Members Room Open at the V&A Museum?
The Members Room at the V&A Museum opens at 10:00 every day. This aligns with the museum’s opening hours and highlights the membership benefits, offering a serene environment for reading, working, or relaxing exclusively for members.
Conclusion
In sum, your visit to the National Art Library will offer a rich tapestry of resources and an environment conducive to scholarly pursuit.
By exploring its diverse collections and leveraging tailored research services, you’ll find invaluable support for your academic endeavours.
Membership grants you access to specialized study rooms, enhancing your research experience.
The National Art Library isn’t just a repository of art; it’s a gateway to deep, contextual understanding and scholarly advancement.
Author: Jessica Hartley
