Two people sat in an old library with wooden fittings and furniture

Barber Fine Art Library

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 on Western art covering most of the major European schools of painting from the early Renaissance to the 21st century, the history of collecting, and also some Byzantine art.

The items in the Barber Fine Art Library are for reference use only. Books formerly available for loan from the Barber Fine Art Library have been relocated to the Main Library of the University of Birmingham.

Books on African art, Ancient art, oriental art, and the decorative arts are located in the Main Library and the Orchard Learning Resource Centre.

The Barber Institute and its interiors have Grade I listed status and has undergone very few alterations except for the provision of up to date IT facilities. The tables and chairs were designed by Gordon Russell.

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

For opening hours and more information please visit the Barber Fine Art Library webpage on the university website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/facilities/barber-library/visit

Facilities and Resources:

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