Currently framing the majestic doors of the National Art Library is a display titled Commercial Graphics of the 1930s which showcases some rather unexpected and unusual items from the library’s collections.
The Jobbing Printing Collection was begun in 1936 by Deputy Keeper of the Library, Philip James. It contains examples of small print runs of predominantly commercial art and magazine cover proofs from the 1930s by commercial designers working across Europe and the US. Read previous blog posts National Art Library display: Commercial Graphics of the 1930s and What in the world is ‘Jobbing Printing’? for more information about the history of Jobbing Printing and how the collection was formed.
In a library which holds over 1 million books, the Jobbing Printing Collection may seem like an anomaly, however, this is not the case. The library’s collection covers over 1,000 years of printed materials in all their forms, complementing the variety of subjects and objects held by the V&A. As such, these examples of cutting-edge design by students and significant commercial artists are a perfect fit with the National Art Library and the wider museum.
To draw this collection to further attention, some events have been planned to complement the display. These include a talk by one of the curators going into more depth about the items on display and a workshop focusing on creating photomontage posters – a technique common within commercial art in the 1930s. Please keep an eye on the museum’s What’s On pages for dates and more information on these events.
There will also be free talks at 11:30 and 14:00 on Monday 19th January about the general history of Jobbing Printing on the library landing by two of the curators.
Also speak to the library’s Welcome Host Volunteers outside the library who will happily tell you more details about the display. A list of the displayed works can be found on the National Art Library Catalogue. All items can be requested to view at the library, upon completion of registration on the Create A Library Account webpage, once the display has concluded in Spring 2026.
In the meantime, please do come to the doors of the National Art Library to admire and appreciate these often overlooked treasures.
We like more blogs like this about the library makes it more relatable to visitors and staff . My books are online check out my YouTube corner Alexanders corner. It’s my favourite hidden library. I am now a semi retired librarian how time flies.