Outset Study's growing specialist reference library currently includes approximately 2,000 books and 70 journal titles on international contemporary drawing since the 1970s, and includes rare items not held in other major UK and Irish libraries. The general reference collection includes artists’ monographs featuring drawing, exhibition catalogues, journals, theory, collection catalogues, and surveys on drawing. The holdings are informed by Drawing Room's exhibition programme of over 14 years, it offers a unique insight into contemporary drawing practices with special resources to expand your research, for example our artist reading lists.

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Our library also includes the following special collections:

  • Drawing Room Collection  - Drawing Room’s entire published output including publications, exhibition catalogues and guides, printed ephemera, press cuttings, installation photographs, exhibition hand-outs and bibliographies.
  • Artists' Reading Lists - Artists and curators taking part in Drawing Room's programme are invited to compile a reading list that expands on the themes explored in their practices. A selection of titles have been acquired to form this eclectic collection which includes material that covers subjects from philosophy to mathematics, and works of poetry, plays, novels, essays, theory and sound works.
  • Artists’ Books – Artists’ books, bookworks, artists’ editions and zines utilising drawing to explore various subjects, as well as the format of the book are included in this collection.

Outset Study is open to all during normal gallery hours and booking is recommended for special research visits by contacting us on [email protected] or 0207 394 5657. Full access info here.

*Please note, Outset Study will be closed to the public on Thursdays until 4pm throughout January and Febuary 2020*

Research services are available for a small fee and the study is available for hire

- Outset Study was established thanks to the generous support of Outset Contemporary Art Fund and income generated from Drawing Biennial 2013