The Witt Library is a collection of reproductions after paintings, drawings and prints, of western art, covering the period 1200 to the present day. Original photographs and cuttings from published material are filed on open access shelves, organised alphabetically by artist within ‘national schools’. All major artists are represented in depth and one of the strengths of the library is its coverage of lesser-known artists, unparalleled elsewhere.

a Witt Library box open on a desk

The collection contains approximately two million reproductions after works by 70,000 artists.
The photographic libraries house a rich and unique negative archive, including the De Laszlo Collection of Paul Laib negatives, documenting paintings and sculpture of artists working in London between 1900 and 1960. The Witt Library also holds a rare copy of the Duveen Brothers Records on microfilm and Agnew’s dealer records on microfiche. These items and further material from our special collections, such as the Fine Art Society photographs and the Alex Wengraf Gallery archive are available for consultation by appointment with the Librarian.


The Witt Library is an essential resource for the serious study of art history and an invaluable source for anyone seeking illustrative material for the study of a whole range of subjects.



Rights and reproductions enquiries


Courtauld Images:
+44 (0)20 7848 2879
images@courtauld.ac.uk
www.courtauldimages.com

 

ACCESS and Opening Times


Access to the Conway and Witt Libraries is by reader’s card, arranged on arrival. Cards are available at £10.00 for one year (£7.00 for Courtauld alumni and Friends of The Courtauld), £5.00 for one month, or £2.00 for one day or one single visit.

Members of The Courtauld’s Samuel Courtauld Society (including Associates, Patrons and Director’s Circle members) receive complimentary entry and simply use their regular membership cards to gain access.

 The library is open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 11am and 4pm, except when The Courtauld Institute of Art is closed at Christmas (Monday 26 December 2011 - Monday 2 January 2012 inclusive), Easter (Thursday 5 - Tuesday 10 April 2012 inclusive) and Bank Holidays (7 and 28 May, 4-5 June and 27-28 August 2012).

Library enquiries:


+44 (0)20 7848 2743
witt@courtauld.ac.uk