Some libraries, especially museums and historical societies have vertical files of miscellaneous ephemeral material that can include information on artists and cultural institutions. The Artist and Pamphlet Files consist of ephemeral materials on painters, sculptors, architects, fashion designers, designers, jewelers, craftsmen, collectors, and artisans. The range of material is broad and consists of articles from magazines and newspapers, reproductions, photographs, manuscripts, gallery and museum announcements, exhibition brochures and press releases. Its greatest strength lies in its inclusion of both major and minor artists. This information is not available through our online catalog, instead, you can consult our department staff directly.
The Artists’ Books Collection (ABC) of the New York Public Library is one of the largest and most important collections in the country. To date, the collection holds more than 8,500 items. The majority of the Library’s holdings of artists’ books are concentrated in the Print Collection, which holds the best examples of this unique genre. Interested in learning more? Check out our research guide to the NYPL Artists' Books Collection.
Many collection items from the Wallach Division have been digitized and are available freely by visiting our Digital Collections page! For example, Andō Hiroshige's landscape series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō are available to view and download.
For further assistance in using any of these resources you can contact the Art & Architecture staff by visiting us in Room 300 of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building or through email at art@nypl.org.