Introduction
The RIBA British Architectural Library is
open to the public|. It is the largest and most comprehensive resource in the United Kingdom for research and information on all aspects of architecture. The Library holds one of the finest collections of architectural material in the world.
History
Established in 1834, as part of the newly-founded Royal Institute of British Architects, the Library collections are extensive, and comprise the Sir Banister Fletcher Library of books and periodicals, the drawing and archives collection and the photographs collection.
Content
A wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from prehistory to the present, is encompassed by the collections, which are international in scope. In addition to architectural theory, practise and history there is material on allied subjects such as building and construction, civil engineering, structural engineering, landscape architecture, interior design and decoration, the decorative arts, town and country planning, and construction law.
Funding
The Library is part of the
RIBA Trust| and supported by the RIBA. It does not receive direct funding from central government. Nevertheless, the collections and services are available to all.
Some Library highlights
Pidgeon Digital collection of illustrated talks
At the Library
members of RIBA |can access the Pidgeon Digital collection of illustrated talks by architects and designers, dating from 1979 to the present. Recently added recordings have included Will Alsop, Renzo Piano and Cecil Balmond.
RIBA British Architectural Library
Architect: George Grey Wornum
Copyright: RIBA British Architectural Library
Model of Concord Gallery, displayed at RIBA British Architectural Library
Designer: Kay Ngee Tan
Copyright: RIBA British Architectural Library
Miriam Wornum Design for the Interior of the RIBA British Architectural Library
Miriam Wornum (1934)
Copyright: RIBA British Architectural Library Drawings and Archives Collection
The V&A + RIBA Architecture Partnership
The
V&A + RIBA Architecture Partnership| is the initiative between the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Institute of British Architects to promote the understanding and enjoyment of architecture.
Together the V&A and the RIBA have opened the
Architecture Gallery|, the first permanent gallery of its type in the UK, and new study rooms at the V&A. There you can access the world-class collections of architectural material from the V&A and RIBA.
Early Printed Books 1478-1840: A catalogue of the British Architectural Library Early Imprints Collection
Winner of the Besterman/McColvin Medal for an outstanding work of reference: printed category. Paul Nash, compiler and editor, won the Walford Award, for an individual who has made a sustained contribution to bibliography. The awards are organised and administered by CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and sponsored by Nielsen BookData.
Directory of British Architects 1834-1914
An updated and expanded edition of the definitive biographical reference tool for the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Compiled by staff of the British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA): Antonia Brodie, Alison Felstead, Jonathan Franklin, Leslie Pinfield and Jane Oldfield; Foreword by Mark Girouard.
More than 11,000 British architects working between 1834 and 1914 are included in this directory. Its scope extends beyond members of the Royal Institute of British Architects to cover all those who practised architecture in Great Britain during the period, as well as many who practised in the former colonies and other parts of the world.
London:
Continuum|, May 2001. 2 volumes (2,248 pages). ISBN 08264 49638 set of 2 vols. $660.00/£400.00
RIBA British Architectural Library
Royal Institute of British Architects, 66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD
email: info@inst.riba.org|