November 2009
New learning and teaching resources from the
Hackney MLA Project |
This new online educational resource offers an insight into the fascinating history of Hackney and how to uncover the past of your local area. Listen to interviews of local residents and view images from the Hackney Archives and the RIBA.
Students and teachers can now download online resources| based on the collections of the RIBA and Hackney Archives. These have been designed for use in the classroom or for independent learning.
October 2009
International loan to the CaixaForum Madrid
From 7 October until 17 January 2010, Andrea Palladio's original drawings from the RIBA British Architectural Library's collection is on loan to the CaixaForum Madrid|.
The RIBA currently holds: the world’s largest collection of original drawings by Palladio; rare publications by Palladio, his Palladian followers and Neo-Palladian admirers; and an unrivalled Drawing and Archives Collection|, with work by Palladian and Neo-Palladian architects.
September 2009
Listen to the Pidgeon Digital collection of illustrated talks by architects
Members of RIBA can now access the growing collection of illustrated talks by architects and designers, provided by Pidgeon Digital. Recently added recordings include Will Alsop, Renzo Piano and Cecil Balmond. The Pidgeon Digital collection can be accessed in person at the RIBA British Architectural Library, 66 Portland Place|, London.
January 2009
Palladio and Britain online exhibition
The RIBA British Architectural Library has the greatest collection of Palladio drawings in the world. Once owned by Inigo Jones and Lord Burlington, and numbering over 330, these transformed British architecture.
Throughout the country Palladian buildings - villas, terraces, churches, town halls and banks - can be found, and British Palladian design has been exported all around the world.
Over 50 of RIBA Library's treasured Palladio drawings are now on show in the exhibition 'Andrea Palladio: His Life and Legacy', at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, a must see.
Discover the full extent of the RIBA Library's collection, its influence, and conservation with this new, and developing web resource at our Palladio Online Exhibitions|.
Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer and Sven Markelius discussing UNESCO building, Paris
Copyright: RIBA Library Photographs Collection/ FLC/ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2008
Le Corbusier Higher Education Workshops
The RIBA British Architectural Library collections offer an unparalleled opportunity to investigate the career and influence of Le Corbusier. Sourced from the internationally-renowned book, drawings, archive, and photograph collections, a number of workshops are available for Higher Education students, amenity groups, and the general public. Each is designed to last 45 minutes, giving plenty of time for questions, and the opportunity to discover more about the RIBA Library. For more information, go to the Le Corbusier Higher Education Workshops| page.
A Home of One’s Own
The RIBA British Architectural Library, in conjunction with Hackney Archives and The Building Exploratory, has recently been awarded a grant for the project A Home of One’s Own: Post-War Housing in Hackney.
This is part of the second phase of the Museums Library and Archives Council ‘Their Past Your Future’ Programme, which receives cash from the Big Lottery Fund, is managed and delivered by the MLA Partnership. Projects have to be geared around the idea of conflict, connecting archive and museum collections with communities. Our bid focuses on Post-War housing in London, specifically the Borough of Hackney. We were one of the few applicants to be awarded the maximum amount - £10,000! For more information, go to the Home of One's Own| page.
January 2008
RIBA British Architectural Library: free public access from 2 January 2008
Members of the public can now access the RIBA Library at 66 Portland Place, London free of charge for reference purposes.
Since its establishment with the RIBA in 1834, the Library has been almost wholly funded by members. In October 2005 it was recognised as having outstanding national and international importance under the Designation Scheme by The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). The scheme recognises that organisations with designated collections care for a significant part of England's cultural heritage.
Access to non RIBA members is now free on production of proof of identity; e.g. driving licence, passport, student ID card.
View the library visiting hours|.