Library Collection

Exhibition and collection catalogues

The Library has a pre-eminent collection of catalogues dating from early Royal Academy exhibitions to the latest contemporary shows, from museums and galleries world-wide and containing many rare items not easily found in other libraries.

Ranging from simple typescript lists of works to lavishly illustrated, multi-volume modern catalogues, it documents the development of an exhibiting culture in the UK and abroad and is an essential resource for research on artists, especially early in their careers. In addition to the catalogues of temporary exhibitions of individual artists and group shows, there are extensive collections of catalogues of permanent and private collections.

The collection is particularly strong in international modern art, with the greatest focus on post-war European and American art. The catalogues are predominantly (but not exclusively) in western European languages.

The Library welcomes donations of current exhibition catalogues and operates an exchange programme with selected museums and galleries world-wide.