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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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.  
Caring for your books & papers
This section contains information and advice on how to look after paper and books. It highlights common problems, tells you what to avoid and provides practical, step-by-step instructions on how to clean and preserve paper objects.
Julia Margaret Cameron: collection highlights
Highlights from the Julia Margaret Cameron photography collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
‘Nothing of intrinsic value’: The scientific collections at the Bethnal Green Museum
Until the 1920s, the Bethnal Green Branch of the South Kensington Museum contained scientific collections as well as the better-known displays of objects of art and design. This article considers these collections, particularly the ‘Collection illustrating the utilization of waste products’, in the context of the Museum’s early history.
Bookings & tickets
Bookings and tickets for exhibitions, activities and events
British Design 1948–2012: Innovation in the Modern Age
31 March–12 August 2012
Showcasing over 300 British design objects, this exhibition celebrates the best of British post-war art and design from the 1948 ‘Austerity Games' to the summer of 2012.
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 13 July 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)
Book online
