Library
Our Library is a centre of excellence for art historical research, its holdings include half a million publications on British art since 1500, and international art since 1900:
- Books, journals, ephemera, AV and digital resources about art and artists
- Exhibition catalogues from the 19th century to recent contemporary shows
- Artists’ books and serials, photobooks, and zines from the 1950s to the present
Archive and Public Records
Our Archive collections contain over a million items related to artists, art world figures and art organisations in Britain:
- Artists’ personal papers, letters, writings, sketchbooks, and maquettes
- Recordings and photographs of artists, their studios, and installation shots
- Artist-designed posters
Public Records document the full range of Tate's activities, with thousands of records from 1897 onwards, including:
- Records of exhibitions from 1911 and Board of Trustees’ minutes
- Key events from Tate’s history including the 1928 flood and the impact of World War II
- Tate’s expansion to Liverpool, St Ives, and Bankside – Tate Modern
First time visitors must register for a free Reader account, and all visitors can book an appointment and request items in advance by emailing reading.rooms@tate.org.uk.
All bags and coats must be left in Tate’s free cloakroom before visiting the Reading Rooms.
Group visits
Group visits to our Reading Rooms are possible when arranged in advance. Requests need to be made at least 1 month before your visit to ensure we can support your group.
For more information or to arrange a group visit, email: reading.rooms@tate.org.uk
We offer a scan and send service for small quantities of information from our Library, Archive and Public Records collections. This service is free and available for those undertaking non-commercial research and private study only, within copyright law limits. Express permission from copyright holders is required for any other use.
To make a request, email: reading.rooms@tate.org.uk
Tate Britain's step-free entrance is on Atterbury Street. It has automatic sliding doors and there is a ramp down to the entrance with central handrails.
The Reading Rooms are located on the Lower floor, past the cloakroom.
- There is a lift between the Lower and Main floors. Alternatively you can take the stairs.
- Accessible, standard and a Changing Places toilets are located on the Lower floor.
- Ear defenders can be borrowed from the ticket desk on the Lower floor.
To help plan your visit to Tate Britain, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.
For more information before you visit Tate Britain:
- Email hello@tate.org.uk
- Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 – option 1 (daily 09.45–18.00)
Our Mission and Vision statement has been updated and is informed by Tate’s wider vision.
Our access policy gives an overview on how visitors can maximise their use of our collections and services.
