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The Whitechapel Gallery Archive features records over 130 years’ old, offering insights into the Gallery’s history and changing approaches to artistic practices and cultural programming.
In addition to being an invaluable resource to art historical research, the archive also provides insights into political and social developments in East London.
Everyone is welcome to explore these materials by making an appointment to visit the Foyle Reading Room, or exploring our online catalogue and digital collections
By appointment only:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am to 1pm, 2pm to 5:30pm
Wednesdays 2pm to 5:30pm
E archiveenquiries@whitechapelgallery.org
T +44(0)20 7522 7862
To book a visit or if you have an enquiry, please submit an enquiry form. You can also find out more about the collections held by the archive using the online catalogue.
Our catalogue allows you to explore the description of thousands of books, papers, ephemera and photographs that we care for in our collection.
Our description of archive holdings is a research guide that helps you use our online catalogue in finding items relevant to your research and interests.
In addition to our research and enquiry service, we also deliver an artist- and practitioner-led archive programme inspired by the materials and ethos of the Whitechapel Gallery Archive and its 125-year history. It aims to provide a open and creative space for our audiences to engage with our collections and the practice of archiving in an intimate and experimental way.
We also offer an archive clinic for community groups and artists who are seeking support on recordkeeping and archiving.
The Foyle Reading Room offers public access to the Whitechapel Gallery Archive Collection.
The Reading Room houses all past Whitechapel Gallery exhibition catalogues and publications including the Documents of Contemporary Art anthology series (published by Whitechapel Gallery and MIT Press). It also holds a growing selection of publications relating to artists who have exhibited at the Gallery over the years..
All items are for reference only.
Free public Wi-fi is available.
A VHS and cassette player are available to access audio-visual materials.
With the permission of the Archivist on the point of your visit to the Reading Room, you may use your own camera or any digital devices to take images of original documents at the Whitechapel Gallery Archive. Images taken are for private study and research only.
If you want to publish material online or elsewhere you may need to apply for a licence – a copyright permission letter will be provided depending on the intended use for the material and a corresponding fee might be charged.
We do not supply images or copy of materials in advance until an agreement has been signed and all payments have been cleared. Please email us here for reproductions and permissions enquiries.
Our archivist offers free 1-1 free consultation sessions with community groups and artists who would like specialist advice on archiving. Issues that we can support include:
Please contact us at archiveenquiries@whitechapelgallery.org to arrange a session.
Opened in March 1901, the Whitechapel Gallery is the first purpose-built gallery in the United Kingdom. Housed in an Arts and Crafts building designed by Charles Harrison Townsend, the gallery was founded by Samuel Barnett and Henrietta Barnett.
In April 2009, the Whitechapel Gallery undertook an expansion project that integrated the existing building with the adjoining Whitechapel Public Library. This development improved the gallery’s archive facilities into three different integrated spaces which include: a standard-compliant repository which houses the Archive’s Collection and the Foyle Reading Room which facilitates public access to the collection.
The Archive is a rich resource for artists, researchers and learners of all ages, and a catalyst for new exhibitions, programmes and publications. The holdings include rare documents, artist letters, photographs, graphic works, press coverage, exhibition and installation plans, educational projects, publications, and recordings of artists, critics and curators.
