The history of the dust jacket
Dust jackets were first developed during the 19th century as plain protective wrappings for books bound in fine mat…
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Ukiyo-e: pictures of the Floating World
Images of everyday Japan, printed for popular consumption in the Edo period (1615-1868), they represent one of the …
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Victorian sentimental prints, drawings & watercolours
Scenes of tender feeling were popular during the Victorian period. They became associated with the home as they wer…
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Street art
Street art has its roots in history, echoing cave paintings and stencilled slogans and images in political campaign…
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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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History of puppetry in Britain
In Britain we have evidence of puppet performance dating dating back over 600 years. Nobody knows when the first pu…
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A-Z of Ceramics - F is for Flatback
Flatback is the word used for cheap earthenware ornaments modelled only on the front and slim enough to fit the nar…
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Samplers, stitches & techniques
Many stitches and techniques were originally used in embroidery samplers to create almost limitless effects, yet fr…
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Art Nouveau & the erotic
Art Nouveau (1890-1914) appeared during a period of radical change in Europe, as growing urbanization and political unrest forced a transformation of individual consciousness and collective society. Drawing on history, nature, symbolism and craft movements from around the world, Art Nouveau design found its expression in domestic objects, and thus brought its ideologies into the most intimate corners of human life.
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 curatorial department for the art, craft and design of the book.
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.
Conference proceedings: interactive learning in Museums of Art
This major international conference considered whether the interactive interpretation so common in museums of science and technology is appropriate in an art and design context.
Chinese art post-1949 reading list
Recommended reading about Chinese art post-1949
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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Folk Archive: Contemporary Popular Art from the UK
Contemporary Popular Art from the UK
Buy nowEvent - Rococo to Art Nouveau 12/13
Thu 20 September 2012 10:45
YEAR COURSE: Gain a unique perspective on one of the most dynamic periods in the history of European art.
Thursdays, 20 September 2012 – 11 July 2013 (over 3 terms), 11.00–15.30
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