The Guildhall Library Prints and Maps collections are being permanently moved to the London Metropolitan Archives (LMA). Guildhall Library's Print Room was/is one of the best sources of pictorial material on London history. Its collection includes tens of thousands of prints, drawings, water colors, maps, photographs, and ephemera.
Many people were surprised and dismayed to learn that the relocation was progress this spring, and they are concerned that little publicity was given about the intended move before any objections could be lodged. UK Ephemera Society chairman, Valerie Jackson-Harris, commented "There are no words to describe my heartfelt sorrow at this news. A library department which has been complete since the time of Dick Whittington and part of London's great heritage is being moved from this historic building, because of finance, is totally unforgivable. Many people, including my late husband Peter Jackson, have donated treasured items to the Guildhall Library with the understanding that they would remain within the precincts of that venerated building for the benefit of future generations."
Once moved, the Guildhall Library collection of prints, drawings, maps and photographs will continue to be fully accessible during normal opening times at LMA, without prior appointment, via the existing online library catalogue, via Collage, and via specialist staff at the enquiry desk. The LMA reading rooms have recently been refurbished to a high standard and provide a light and open working space where readers will continue to view originals. A comprehensive reproduction service will also be available and it is intended to provide complementary services by digitizing the remainder of the Guildhall collection as well as the entire LMA collection, using onsite state of the art scanning equipment. The move will have the major benefit of uniting the Guildhall collection with the very rich and important collection of graphic materials held at LMA.
Use of the Guildhall collections at LMA will be supported by the transfer of relevant reference materials and further work is in hand to ensure that essential ties between the print and maps collections and the printed books and manuscripts at Guildhall are identified and developed. The Prints and Maps team will also continue to provide a rich and varied program of exhibitions, at Guildhall Library, LMA and Guildhall Art Gallery.
