Students studying in a library

Barber Fine Art Library

The Barber Fine Art Library is temporarily closed to visitors during the Barber's transformation project.

Find out more about our opening hours here. 

The Barber Fine Art Library is located on the ground floor of the Barber. The library is a specialist research-level collection of books, exhibition catalogues and sale catalogues focussing on Western art from the early Renaissance to the 21st century.

The Library underpins research and teaching carried out by the Barber and the Department of Art History Curating and Visual Studies. It is open to anyone interested in the history of art, material and visual.

Please note there are no copying and printing facilities, but users are welcome to use phones and cameras without flash or tripods.

The original tables and chairs in the reading room were designed by Gordon Russell, the leading British furniture designer at the time the Barber opened.

Treasures from the library collection on display.
Treasures from the library collection on display.

Resources:

Our collection includes:
  • books and pamphlets on art and architecture, art topography, biography of artists, and the history of collecting
  • catalogues raisonnées
  • guidebooks
  • a major collection of exhibition and auction catalogues dating back to the eighteenth century
  • over 350 books published before 1850. Please contact the Cadbury Research Library  to make an appointment to see these.
  • access to major electronic resources for University of Birmingham members only
  • art history journals – many available online for University of Birmingham members only

Access and support:

All university libraries and resource centres offer the following services:

  • Book fetching
  • Extended loans
  • Help with catalogue
  • Stock transfer
  • Text Relay

Please note: These services are available in the Barber Fine Art Library from 10.00 to 16.00, Monday to Friday.

Specific facilities and access in this library:

  • Accessible toilets
  • Assistive software on all PCs
  • Parking for people with disabilities
  • Quiet / Silent Study area
  • Wheelchair Access (limited)
  • See our Access page for more information about accessing the building

This site has the following specialist equipment available:

  • Bar Magnifier
  • Coloured overlays
  • Magnifying glass
  • Magnifying sheet

Contact information:

If you have questions or need any support please contact our library team.

The most up to date information can be found on the University of Birmingham website

A close-up image of the library with high rows of books and a wooden ladder