National Art Library, Victoria & Albert Museum

Tuesday, July 15
















(source)

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http://www.vam.ac.uk/nal/

Today, the group assembled at 1pm in the courtyard, received instructions and ventured on to the tube (underground). We took the Jubilee line (West) one stop to Westminster, changed to the District line, went (West) four stops to the South Kensington tube stop, and then walked the connecting tunnel directly to the Victoria & Albert Museum. Once inside the museum, we went straight to the National Arts Library to meet our contact. After a few minutes, Francis Warrell came to greet us and took us first through the main center area with registration and computers, where patrons can search for books and utilize databases of museum objects.

We then walked quietly through to the special collections area. We passed by the Reproduction Area (copy machines), which Francis indicated that journals and books dated before 1930 can be digitally photographed. Next, it was to the Marshalling Area, in which we had to hike up stairs to reach (on the second floor, their Floor 1). This area has a Retrieval person to locate and pull requested books, set them on the counter through an opening in the wall, along with the triplicate slip filled out beforehand, and delivered to the table as indicated by the seat number. The seat number is garnered by the patron upon arrival to the art library. Francis also mentioned that staff can borrow up to 20 items for 3 months, but have to keep them in the building in case a patron requests them. Books in the stacks in this area are organized by form and subject. There are over 8,000 titles, which all volumes are bound for preservation and security. It was also stated that the oldest periodical dates to the Victorian era, between 1837 and 1901.

Next, we were led to the 2nd mezzanine floor, which was said to be former gallery space, now used as storage. There are a multitude of locked cupboards containing special collections, consisting of medieval manuscripts, printing presses, artists books, etc. Notably, their 20th century book collection is the largest in England. Also in the collection are Dickens' original book proofs, John Forester letters and folios, and other materials. It was explained here that the National Art Library was originated in 1837 at the somerset House and was resettled to the present Victoria & Albert location in 1857. It contains other books, manuscripts, sculptures, the 1851 exhibition catalog, as well.

The third room we were taken to was the West Room, which was in the midst of reconstruction for the 20th century gallery space, but the books on its second level will remain. This area will contain the Gilbert Collection, now at the Somerset House. Francis stated that there is additional storage in the crypt, and that students from Sotheby's come periodically to do restoration on numerous books that need mending.

We then followed our guide to the Staff Area, which is directly over the 20th Century Gallery. It is the workroom with desks and computers, and lots of paperwork piled up. This is where Francis explained their online access: circulation, ILL, etc.; off line access: inquiries, examples include Latin, prints and drawings, and general V & A questions. She also talked about the cataloging section with in the Staff Area, which is all retrievable. In the Acquisitions section, Francis spoke about gifting, which the library gratefully accepts all items, and also explained their exchange program of loaning to other museums. And that the library is a National depository, after receiving donations from the British Library.

Francis explained that they have a large collection of exhibition catalogs, stating that 75% come from abroad and are shelved by country/gallery/year/size. Then she concluded by saying that the art library is also known as the Words and Image Department.

Finally, we were taken to the final room where we met Jennie Farmer. She had a table full of various books displayed for explaining and viewing. After she talked about each book, we were invited to look through each one. It was a very interesting and exciting opportunity to do so. Especially viewing the collaged book from Detroit, Michigan; the Soft Book, which every page was rabbit fur; and also, the book made totally out of a student’s wooden chair.