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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National 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…
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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 opening hours
National Art Library opening hours
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.
Computer 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.
Become a V&A Member
V&A Members enjoy a wealth of benefits, including free entry to exhibitions, previews, exciting events and the V&A Members’ Room. In addition, you will be supporting the vital work of the V&A.
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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 two. Invited speakers include Patrick Wright, Jeremy Deller and Alexander Harris.
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