National Art Library book collections
The National Art Library is both a major reference library and the Museum's curatorial department for the art, craf…
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National Art Library Dyce collection
The Revd Alexander Dyce (1798–1869) bequeathed over 14,000 books to the South Kensington Museum (renamed the Victor…
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National Art Library Forster collection
John Forster (1812–76) was a noted biographer, critic, essayist and historian who collected a vast library. He bequ…
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National Art Library children's literature collections
The National Art Library has been collecting children's publications since the mid-19th century. It now holds nearl…
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National Art Library Great Exhibition collection
The National Art Library holds a number of collections relating to the International Exhibitions including document…
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National Art Library modern calligraphy collection
An article by Rowan Watson on the modern calligraphy collections in the National Art Library. First published in 'C…
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National Art Library collection of armorial bindings
Colonel Henry John Beresford Clements (1869–1940) became the acknowledged expert in the field of bindings displayin…
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National Art Library chapbooks collection
Chapbooks are small cheap publications on popular subjects bought at booksellers or from travelling chapmen. The Na…
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National Art Library trade catalogues collection
The National Art Library holds numerous examples of trade catalogues within its collections. The earliest items in …
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Miniature libraries reading list
Reading list about Miniature libraries from the Children's Books Collections
Room 77: National Art Library
The National Art Library at the V&A is a major public reference library. Its strength lies in the range and depth of its holdings of documentary material concerning the fine and decorative arts of many countries and periods. It is also the curatorial department for the art, craft and design of the book, details of which can be found in the Prints & Books collection.
Penguin paperback cover designs
8 June–13 November 2005 Marking the 70th anniversary of Penguin Books and drawing on material that had never previously been exhibited, this display showed how Penguin responded to – and influenced – changing trends in British culture.
Mounts for the Display of Books
Until last year, there were basically two types of supports used to display books in the V& A. They had been developed, over a number of years, in order to prevent damage being caused to books whilst open on exhibition.  
Bookings & tickets
Bookings and tickets for exhibitions, activities and events
Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton
8 February – 22 April 2012
Featuring portraits of Queen Elizabeth II by royal photographer Cecil Beaton, this exhibition celebrates Her Majesty in her roles as princess, monarch and mother and coincides with the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
More detailsShop online
V&A 'Japanese Woodblock Prints' Postcard Book
This book of 16 postcards showcases Japanese prints from the V&A's collection of ukiyo-e.
Buy nowEvent - Early Medieval 11/12
Fri 16 September 2011–Fri 30 March 2012
COURSE: Explore the visual arts of the Medieval period through the V&A’s abundant medieval collections, including architecture and sculpture, metalwork and enamels, silks and embroidery, ivory carving and manuscript illumination, wall painting and mosaic. You can book the full year course, or select individual terms or days. Fridays, 16 September 2011 – 13 July 2012 (over 3 terms)
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