Quiet London: The National Art Library at The V&A Museum

One of my favourite things about London is discovering new and hidden places.  Places which feel tucked away and secretive.  The National Art Library at The V&A is one such place I have recently become acquainted with.  The V&A is my favourite museum, and I will often go just for an hour to wander through the galleries or have tea in the gorgeous cafe.

Most recently and to my great delight, I became a member of The National Art Library.  Joining the library is surprisingly simple. Its free and you simply have to produce some photo identification, and then be guided by the friendly staff in the library on the next steps.

The Library is situated in the large reading rooms, which sit on the first floor of the museum next to the new photography centre on the first floor.  As you would expect from the V&A it is a truly beautiful room.  Large and airy with tall ceilings and impressive doorways.  Standing at the entrance you can see straight through to the doors at the end.  Huge saucer like lights hang from the ceilings and large windows along one side look out upon the John Madejski Garden. An elegant mezzanine floor surrounds the room, and the walls are of course lined floor to ceiling with a huge collection of literature on fine and decorative arts.  Many of the books are very precious.

My favourite part of the library are the desks.  Dark wooden desks are set out in rows throughout the rooms.  Each desk has a green reading lamp and the desks are large and solid.  I love walking into the room and choosing my desk, then notifying the attendant of which one I wish to use.  He then issues a key so that the desk becomes yours for as long as you want it.  I have yet to decide which is my favourite place to sit.  Being next to the window is always preferable, but I am undecided if I like facing the entrance and watching the different types of people come and go or facing into the library to watch people work.

food and drink is not permitted, and bags are also not allowed.  Everything you wish to take in with you has to be decanted in to a clear plastic bag which you obtain at the cloakroom near the entrance to the museum.  Unless you are a member this service is £1.  Pens are also prohibited!  On my first visit I was asked to put my pen away and was given a nice V&A pencil instead.  I was initially a bit perturbed by this but have come to appreciate the flow that comes from writing with a nice pencil. It fits in well with the grand and hushed surroundings.

The museum can often become very busy, particularly during school holidays.  The calm of the library is a welcome oasis, and somewhere to sit quietly and read or study. Sitting in such beautiful surroundings is inspiring and I have found time just slips by as I work away surrounded by history and creativity. I’m looking forward to snatching a few hours in the library over the next few weeks as life and London becomes even busier.