Library
The library's collecting priority is modern (post-1875) and contemporary British sculpture, the aim being to acquire all significant works to enable in-depth research in this field. The library's coverage of contemporary international sculpture allows general research in this area.
Sculpture is defined in the broadest sense so that material on installation and conceptual art and some film and video works are included.
These collections are briefly described below. Details of holdings can be found on the library catalogue.
We welcome recommendations and suggestions of new items for our collection. Please check the library catalogue before making a suggestion.
Books, catalogues and pamphlets
The library holds approximately 20,000 books, catalogues and pamphlets. The library is particularly active in collecting contemporary exhibition catalogues.Items are acquired by purchase, gift and exchange.
Special Collections
The library has a significant collection of primary resource material for the study of sculpture. This includes rare books and journals from the 19th and 20th centuries. Strengths of the collection include books on Eric Gill, Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, Rodin and the methods and materials of sculpture. The library also has a collection of artists' books related to sculpture, including conceptual works and hand-produced books. Items kept in Special Collections must be requested and handled with great care.
Journals
The library subscribes to around 30 specialist journals and holds back-issues of many more titles including rare items such as 'Ark' and 'The Island'. Details of the library's journal holdings can be found on the library catalogue.
Auction catalogues
The library hold the last two years of Christies' and Sotheby's catalogues, mostly of sales of British art in London and has a small selection of catalogues from earlier years on 19th century sculpture. Auction catalogues are kept in closed access and must be requested. Details of earlier sales of British art may be found in the sculptors' files in the reading rooms.
Online resources
Grove Art Online and ARTbibliographies Modern are available in the library.
Sculptors' files
The library has collections of ephemeral material such as private view cards and press cuttings on British sculptors and related topics such as sculpture gardens and parks. These are held in the reading rooms.
Videos
About 300 films on video tape are available to view in the library. For more information please click on the link to the right.
Slides
Around 30,000 slides are housed in purpose-built viewing racks. For more information please click on the link to the right.
Audio tapes
National Life Story Collection interviews are available to listen to, as well as other sound recordings. For more information please click on the link to the right.