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.
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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.
Please contact the library in 24 hours in advance if you wish to consult closed access material (including Special Collections and Journals).
What’s in the special collections?
Below are some highlights of books and other items from the library’s special collections.
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
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 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
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
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 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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