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Research library special collections

The library has a significant collection of rare books, catalogues and journals from the 19th century through to the present day.

Rare catalogues from influential and groundbreaking exhibitions from the 1960s and 1970s sit alongside artists’ books and early publications on the history of sculpture.

A wooden box containing Chris Drury's book-work 'Touching 100 Oaks'.

The collection is constantly growing, with items being donated and purchased on a regular basis. Items from the collection regularly feature in our library displays and external exhibitions.

All the items in our special collections are listed in our online catalogue and can be viewed in our reading rooms.

 

Search the library catalogue online

Artists’ books from the collection

Artists’ books from the collection

We have a growing collection of artists’ books, including hand-made limited editions, conceptual works, and sculptural items exploring the format of the book.

Venice 1949: Peggy Guggenheim’s Sculpture Garden

Venice 1949: Peggy Guggenheim’s Sculpture Garden

The library holds a copy of the catalogue for Peggy Guggenheim’s 1949 exhibition Mostra di Scultura Contemporanea, a publication rarely seen outside Italy.

The British Pavilion, XXVI Biennale, Venice, 1952

The British Pavilion, XXVI Biennale, Venice, 1952

The library’s holdings of exhibition catalogues includes a rare copy of the brochure published by the British Council for the 1952 Venice Biennale.

Keir Smith: Ceres

Keir Smith: Ceres

Self-published by Keir Smith in 1980 and opening with a poem, followed by five prints depicting constellations and a further ten of tools and animals used in early farming.

Glen Onwin: Flammable Solid/Flammable Liquid, 1994

Glen Onwin: Flammable Solid/Flammable Liquid, 1994

This boxed publication was produced by the artist, Glen Onwin, in an edition of 100 to accompany an exhibition held at Tramway, Glasgow in March 1994.

Ebb & Flow

Ebb & Flow

Ebb & Flow was produced at Coracle Press, London in 1988 in an edition of 20. The book can be read from any direction as it has no clear defined back or front.

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