The National Gallery Library and Archive holds world-class collections relating to the history of painting, including exhibition catalogues, rare books, and detailed institutional records gathered over the course of our 200-year history
The National Gallery's public records are available to all members of the public with an appointment in advance. Visitors will be required to register as a library reader in advance of your visit, which will include submitting information about yourself and your query. Please read our visitor regulations for information about registration and using the Library and Archive.
We can answer enquiries about our Library and Archive, including the history of the Gallery and its Collection, but we are unable to give general information about art or artists or to give valuations of works of art.
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These collections are open to the public by appointment Tuesday–Friday. |
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Explore a brief history of the Gallery’s Library and Archive and its place in the long life of the institution.
Search the Gallery’s library of around 100,000 printed volumes covering the history of European painting from the 13th to the early 20th century.
Search the National Gallery Archive containing records of the Gallery's activities from its foundation in 1824 to the present day.
Browse the Gallery’s growing roster of digital resources relating to its history and collections
Eight volumes of the minutes of the Board of Trustees and the corresponding indexes.
Eleven stock books from the archive of Thos. Agnew and Sons. Dating from 1853 until the beginning of the First World War, the stock books provide information about the paintings, prices and clients that Agnew’s dealt with.