Special collections – Bath Spa University

Our Special Collections contain books and other items considered too rare, valuable, old or delicate to go on open shelves, or of other special interest to the staff and students of Bath Spa University.

The collections receive special treatment in terms of:

  • storage
  • cataloguing
  • consultation
  • preservation
  • conservation

What is in the Special Collections?

Alumni Collection

1st editions of published creative works by Bath Spa University alumni, many of them signed by the authors.

Artists' Book Collection

Teaching collection of artists' books which supports Bath School of Art & Design courses.

Art Special Collection

Collection of books from the library at Bath Academy of Art (at Corsham Court from approx 1946) transferred to Somerset Place in 1986. Assumed to be representative of material available to students and staff of Bath Academy of Art. Some rare and valuable items. Books added since 1986 if of value and for Reference only.

Art Special Collection Journals

Collection of journals from the library at Bath Academy of Art (at Corsham from approx 1946) transferred to Somerset Place in 1986. Assumed to be representative of material available to students and staff of Bath Academy of Art.

Bath Academy of Art Prospectuses

Collection of prospectuses from Bath Academy of Art 1946-86 and Bath School of Art & Design 1986 onwards.

Bath School of Art & Design Degree Show Postcards

Collection of degree show student postcards and yearbooks from Bath School of Art & Design.

Bath School of Art & Design Poster Collection

Degree show and other exhibition posters and flyers from Bath Academy of Art and Bath School of Art & Design.

Bath Spa University Christmas Card Collection

Print copies of official Bath Spa University Christmas cards with designs produced (in the main) by Bath School of Art & Design students.

Early Printed Books

A handling collection of early printed books which supports Bath Spa University BA English degree modules which focus on Early Modern printed books (pre-1700).

Ladevèze Collection

Books and papers representing winners and nominees of the annual V&A Illustration Awards, many of them personally signed, donated by Mr Jack and Mrs Audrey Ladevèze.

Lay Figure

Artist's lay figure once owned by Walter Sickert (1860-1942). Probably late 18th Century.

PhD Theses

Print copies of Bath Spa University PhD theses from 1999 onwards.

Signed Music Scores

Music scores autographed by the composer - assorted works by Michael Tippett, Peter Maxwell Davies, one work by William Walton (limited ed. signed), one work 'commissioned for Bath Spa' by Francis R Shaw.

How do I find the Special Collections?

All items that are available for consultation can be found via the Library Search, they will show a ‘location’ of Special Collections or Art Special Collections and are for use in the Library only.

How do I access the Special Collections?

Please speak to us at the Library reception or contact us on library@bathspa.ac.uk to arrange access.  We may be able to collect materials immediately, or at busy times you may need to agree a time to come back later.

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Contact us

library@bathspa.ac.uk

 

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