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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Dust jackets reading list
A selection of introdcutory books on the subject of dust jackets. All books listed can be consulted in the National Art Library at the V&A.
National Art Library historic catalogues
A list of all the catalogues of the National Art Library and how to use them.
Art auction sales, sales catalogues and price guides study guide
Recommended resources for finding information on art auctions sales, sales catalogues, and price guides.
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.
National Art Library collection of armorial bindings
Colonel Henry John Beresford Clements (1869–1940) became the acknowledged expert in the field of bindings displaying armorial and ownership devices. His collection, bequeathed to the V&A in 1940, represents the most comprehensive of its kind.
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 - National Video Archive Performance (NVAP)
Sun 22 January 2012–Sun 17 June 2012
SPECIAL EVENT: NVAP has documented over 250 theatre performances ranging from West-End hits and pantomimes to musicals and physical theatre. To celebrate 20 years of NVAP, the V&A proudly presents a selection of NVAP recordings documenting British theatre.
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