Whether you are interested in a particular artist, you want to find out about using watercolours, or you are interested in film, Bradford Libraries, Archives and Information Service can help you find what you are looking for. The Art Collection at Central Library includes a wide range of books and journals on the arts around the world and is located on the 3rd Floor.
The collection has material related to both the fine and applied arts. Subjects included are:
- art history
- antiques
- garden design
- architecture
- sculptural arts
- ceramics
- drawing and illustration
- design and calligraphy
- needlework
- flower arrangement
- handicrafts
- the history and technique of painting and engraving
- photography
Books for loan
All loan books are listed on the online catalogue and are located on the 3rd Floor. This collection comprises dictionaries, encyclopedias, books for all subject areas listed above and recent issues of periodicals.
Reference collection
The Library maintains a large collection of books which are not available for loan. Some of these books are on open access on the 3rd Floor, however, with limited shelf space, 90% of the art reference stock is hidden from view. You will need to search the online catalogue to access this collection. Please ask the staff for assistance if a particular book cannot be found.
Information on artists
A collection of biographical dictionaries are available to consult on the 3rd Floor. The Local Studies Department, located on the 5th Floor of Central Library houses a considerable amount of information on local artists in a collection of cuttings from local newspapers.
Valuations
Although the staff are unable to value antiques, art objects and other material, the library does have many valuation guides, including annual auction price guides for paintings.
Features of the stock
Periodicals
Apart from current periodicals and annuals, the Library holds many nineteenth and early twentieth century periodicals, some of which have been indexed in a card catalogue that can be found on the 3rd Floor. Periodicals are an excellent resource for finding out what was happening in the art world at a particular moment in time. If you want to find out who was in vogue and what was being discussed, the periodicals are the place to start. Ask a member of staff for access to a listing of periodicals held.
Photography and film collection
The Library holds a large collection of books about photography and film. Some books are available for loan and can be found on the 3rd Floor, but the majority of the collection is for reference only and is not housed on the open shelves. You will need to search the online catalogue to access this collection. Please ask the staff for assistance if you cannot find what you are looking for.
Local artists and events
The Local Studies Department on the 5th Floor of Bradford Central Library houses a considerable amount of information on local artists and events in the District. It has a set of exhibition catalogues for Cartwright Hall from 1879 to date and a set of cuttings about local artists. Information relating to events at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television is also collected.
Book illustration
There is a fine collection of books about the history of illustration with particular emphasis on book illustration. This includes books about its development and techniques, material on particular artists and a collection of illustrated books dating back to the late nineteenth century. As works of art in their own right these beautiful books are one of the treasures of the Art Collection and could be used as the starting point for your own creative ideas. The books are available for use in the Library only. Access to them is via the online catalogue.
Elephant folios
In the Reference collection there are a number of elephant folios (oversize books). These volumes include subjects such as the printed cottons of Asia, the industrial arts of the nineteenth century, mansions of England, garden ornament, illuminated manuscripts and English portraiture. The quality of the illustrations in these volumes is superb and they could be used as a wonderful starting point for developing your own ideas for new works of art.
Further information
- For more information on how to access the Art Collection, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.
- If you are a member of a society or group in the Bradford District and would like a behind the scenes tour of the Art Collection please contact us and we will be happy to arrange this.
- If you are a school or college and would like to have a tour of the collection, or would like to have access to the collection for a particular event, either at Central Library, or in your school then we will be pleased to work with you.
The Library is a gateway to a whole world of information. There is no charge for using it so please come in and see what you can find.
Information Services Opening times:
Central Library Mon-Fri 9.00am-7.30pm
Prince’s Way Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm
Bradford BD1 1NN
Tel: (01274) 433649/57
Fax: (01274) 433687
E-mail:
christine.dyson@bradford.gov.uk
nigel.pick@bradford.gov.uk
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