The National Art Library is a major public reference library of fine and decorative arts of many countries and periods. It is open to the public as a reference library. Before you can use the Library you must register as a Reader. This can be done online in advance. The National Art Library opening times are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 10.00 – 17.30, Friday: 10.00 – 18.30.
About the National Art Library
The National Art Library is a major public reference library, as well as being the Victoria and Albert Museum's cur…
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National Art Library: registering for a reader ticket
How to apply for a Reader Ticket. These are valid for use in the National Art Library and in the Blythe House Read…
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National Art Library: requesting material
How to request reference material in the National Art Library.
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National Art Library access and facilities for visitors with disabilities
A guide providing information on access arangements and services and facilities for disabled visitors to the Nation…
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Conditions of use of the V&A Study Rooms
In order to protect the collections and to help other researchers, all users of the National Art Library, the Print…
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National Art Library collection development policy: documentary materials
The National Art Library Collection Development Policy for documentary material.
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National Art Library historic catalogues
A list of all the catalogues of the National Art Library and how to use them.
Accessing the National Art Library catalogues using a Z39.50 server
The National Art Library's Online Catalogue is available via a web interface and a Z39.50 server. Z39.50 is an international standard that enables computers and databases in different libraries to communicate with each other, regardless of the hardware and software in use in each library. This page gives some technical information for users wishing to search the catalogue using the Z39.50 method.
National Art Library heritage project
Access to the Library's collections was transformed with the completion of the National Art Library Heritage Project at the end of 2003. With the help of a grant of £958,400 from the UK's Heritage Lottery Fund, the NAL was able to transfer details of all its historic material to the Library Catalogue.
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.
Aesop's Fables
Aesop's Fables have long been a resource for moralists and story-tellers, and popular subjects for illustration aimed at both children and adults. They were among the first illustrated printed books to be produced; the earliest known example was produced in Bamberg, Germany, in 1461. The National Art Library’s collection of illustrated Fables ranges from the 15th century to the present day.
Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950
From 19 May 2012 the V&A celebrates the opening of the newly renovated Fashion Galleries with an exhibition of beautiful ballgowns, red carpet evening dresses and catwalk showstoppers.
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Western Illuminated Manuscripts
A magnificent three volume catalogue of the manuscripts in the V&A's National Art Library
Buy nowEvent - The 'South Kensington system' - art education & the V&A in the 19th Century
Wed 23 May 2012 13:00
LUNCHTIME LECTURE: Join curator Susan Owens to discover the ‘South Kensington system’ of instruction, when the V&A was in charge of national art education.
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