Opening times

Monday - Friday	10.00 - 16.00
Thursday	10.00 - 19.00 (term time only)
Saturday	12.00 - 16.00 (term time only)

The collections

The collections are central to the artistic culture and teaching of the faculty and have been since its foundation as the Manchester School of Art in 1853.

The collections include:

• Artists' Books: a great range of creative experimentations with the book form
• 20th century international poster collections
• The Manchester School of Art Collection including fine and decorative art and the work of past and present students and staff
• The Schmoller Collection of Decorated Papers
• Children's Book Collection: featuring 19th and 20th century children's book illustration
• Book collections exploring aspects of the book as an artifact
• Archive collections including artists' working drawings and correspondence
• Manchester Society of Architects Library
• Victorian ephemera featuring 19th century albums and scrapbooks

How do I access the collections?

The Book Design, Artists' Books and Children's Book collections can be accessed without an appointment and can be searched on the Library catalogue.

The Manchester School of Art collection, the Archive collections, the Schmoller Collection of Decorated Papers and the Poster collections can be searched on the Special Collections catalogue. Please contact us to make an appointment to view material from these collections.

Exhibitions

The Special Collections Gallery has a programme of exhibitions relating to the collections and also showcases the art and design practice and research of staff and students. Exhibition catalogues and collection publications are available to purchase. To hear about future events and exhibitions join our mailing list by visiting the Special Collections website.

• Current exhibition

Keeping up to date

Get news of future exhibitions and site updates via e-mail:

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Gallery hire

The creative atmosphere of the gallery provides an ideal location for events and can be hired with the optional use of the Lecture Theatre. To hire the gallery email lib-spec-coll@mmu.ac.uk or phone 0161 247 6107

Digital images

Start browsing the images or use a keyword to search all the images.

Study facilities

• Browse and research these unique collections in the quiet Reading Room, with specialist staff available to help with your research.
• The Education Room can be used for teaching groups of up to 20 and the space can be hired for private functions. For more information please contact 0161 247 6107 or email lib-spec-coll@mmu.ac.uk