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…
Read articleNational 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…
Read articleNational Art Library: requesting material
How to request reference material in the National Art Library.
Read articleNational 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…
Read articleNational Art Library code of conduct
The National Art Library's Code of Conduct. This must be accepted as part of the process of registering for a Reade…
Read articleNational Art Library collection development policy: documentary materials
The National Art Library Collection Development Policy for documentary material.
Read articleComputer art reading list
A selection of recommended books on computer art, computer graphics and digital art. All books listed can be found in the National Art Library.
National Art Library Forster collection
John Forster (1812–76) was a noted biographer, critic, essayist and historian who collected a vast library. He bequeathed this collection to his wife and on her death it passed to the South Kensington Museum (renamed the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1899).

National Art Library Dyce collection
The Revd Alexander Dyce (1798–1869) bequeathed over 14,000 books to the South Kensington Museum (renamed the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1899), along with pictures, prints, drawings and other objets d'art.
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 opening hours
National Art Library opening hours
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.
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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 - Recording Britain Symposium
Fri 20 April 2012 10:30–17:30

CONFERENCE: This symposium will explore the presence of the past, National identity, taste and nostalgia in relation to the Recording Britain collection of water colours and drawings produced at the start of World War II. Speakers include Patrick Wright, David Heathcote, and artists Ingrid Pollard, Abigail Reynolds, Simon Roberts and Paul Scott.
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