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Materials Library Collections

Textile samples.
Textile samples.
Selyn Textiles. Photographer: Laura L. Maceiro.

Information about the Materials Library Collections.

About

UAL Library Services offers reference access to 2 Materials Library Collections. The collections are part of the many resources for students and staff. These can be accessed within UAL libraries.

The collections are educational spaces for hands on learning. The collections contain extraordinary materials from a range of industries.

For example, plant-based materials and objects, like fruit leathers and mycelium plant pots can be found in the collections. We also have a range of papers, surface materials, fabrics and textiles for all design needs.

Visiting

The collections are in Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion libraries. Collections are for all UAL students and staff. They are open for browsing when the libraries are open.

Alumni and External visitors can visit the collections via the library bookings systems.

See below for location and contact details.

Collections

Each material or sample has labels to showcase the manufacturer or designer information. This promotes further research and potential collaboration.

The collections can be used for:

  • Interaction: Browse the collections with the senses to discover a range of materials. Alongside their potential for projects.
  • Inspiration: Explore materials across a range of industries. With the view of cross disciplinary research and collaboration.
  • Information: Learn about the stories behind a material. Explore who created the material and where this took place. Understand the methods behind making a material. This explores critical research and responsible sourcing decisions.
  • Innovation: Find leading innovations in materials, systems, and processes. Learn about current materials research projects.

These values were identified by a cross-course cross-cultural team of MA students on the LCF MA Collaborative Challenge, Materials Collection brief for the move to Eastbank 2022 – 2023.

Library-Materials and Products Collection, Granary Square, King's Cross building

Central Saint Martins

Floor 2
Kings Cross Campus
1 Granary Square London

N1C 4AA

Contact:

materials@csm.arts.ac.uk

Find out more about the CSM Materials & Products Collection

Library-Materials and Products Collection, East Bank Campus

London College of Fashion

Floor 2
East Bank Campus
105 Carpenters Road
Stratford

E20 2AR

Contact:

materials@fashion.arts.ac.uk

Find out more about the LCF Materials Collection