Library and research
Library and research
Established at the time of the RA's foundation in 1768, the RA Library is the oldest institutional Fine arts library in the UK. It holds a significant collection of books about both British art and the history of the RA since the mid-18th century. The Research Library and Archive is open to the public by appointment.
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Here you can search our Historic and Illustrated Book Collections. The Historic Book Collection contains some 12,000 volumes published between 1500 and 1920, and reflects the teaching philosophy of the Academy Schools from their foundation to the end of the 19th century. It includes many rare titles reproducing the masterpieces of medieval and post-Renaissance European art and architecture; detailed archaeological surveys of the civilisations of ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt; volumes of engravings recording civil, military and religious festivals, ceremonies and costume; and original editions of virtually all the early treatises on painting, drawing, sculpture, architecture, printmaking, anatomy, perspective, colour theory, art collecting and connoisseurship.
A great many British artists, including numerous Royal Academicians, have worked at some point in their careers as book illustrators and/or designers. Our special collection of around 1,500 illustrated books highlights their contribution to this genre.
About two-thirds of these collections have been catalogued and are available here. More books are added each month.
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Search our modern book collection
You can also search our modern book collection, which contains books published after 1920.
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Learn more about the Library's resources
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British Art Reference Collection
At the core of the Library is the British Art Reference Collection comprising around 30,000 monographs, exhibition catalogues and standard reference books on British art and artists, with particular concentration on the life and work of Members of the Royal Academy. The library holds a complete set of the Academy’s annual (summer) exhibition catalogues from its inception in 1769 and of the loan exhibition catalogues which began in 1870.
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Historic Book Collection
The Historic Book Collection contains some 12,000 volumes published before 1920, which reflect the teaching philosophy of the Academy Schools from their foundation to the end of the 19th century. It includes many rare titles reproducing the masterpieces of medieval and post-Renaissance European art and architecture; detailed archaeological surveys of the civilisations of ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt; volumes of engravings recording civil, military and religious festivals, ceremonies and costume; and original editions of virtually all the early treatises on painting, drawing, sculpture, architecture, printmaking, anatomy, perspective, colour theory, art collecting and connoisseurship.
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Illustrated Book Collection
A great many British artists, including numerous Members of the Royal Academy, have worked at some point in their careers as book illustrators and/or designers. To highlight their contribution to this genre, a special collection of illustrated books is currently being formed which presently numbers around 1,500 volumes.
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Visiting the library
Using the library and archive
The RA Library is open by appointment on Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. Anyone with a legitimate reason to consult our collections is welcome to make an appointment. Most of the collections are not on open-access, so it would be helpful if you could let us know which books, archives or works on paper you wish to consult prior to your visit so that we can get the material ready for you.
On your first visit you will be asked to complete a Collections Access form and bring proof of address, (e.g. utility bill, or RA Friends Membership card), and photographic identification (e.g. passport, student card, driving licence, etc) with you.
For those unable to visit the library in person the Library Information Service can answer enquiries over the telephone, by post or email relating to the RA and its Collections.
How to contact us with an enquiry or to make an appointment Telephone +44 20 7300 5737 (Tuesday – Friday, 10am–1pm and 2–5pm) Email library@royalacademy.org.uk
Write to: Library Information Service Royal Academy of Arts Burlington House, Piccadilly London W1J 0BD
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