About the collections
The Allard Pierson's graphic collections are distinguished by their breadth and international character. They specifically cover the period from around 1830 to the present, and are based on the Library of the Book Trade and the Typographical Library of The Amsterdam Type Foundry. The collections range from specially designed books, posters and other printed matter to the technological history of the graphic trade . Besides the book, script is strongly represented, from calligraphy to type design. The collection of designers’ archives - started in the 1950s - is the largest of its kind in the Netherlands, covering the period from around 1900 to the present day.
Priority areas / highlights
- Designers' archives of S.H. de Roos, Dick Elffers, Atie Siegenbeek van Heukelom, Jurriaan Schrofer, Jan van Toorn, Gerard Unger and Irma Boom and others
- International collection of printed writing books
- International collection of type specimens
- Collection of Dutch photography books published after 1945
- Collection of technical manuals and professional literature, including format books and Joseph Moxon's Mechanick Exercises (1694)
Searching the collections
The printed works are accessible via the online Catalogue. Work is currently underway to make the manuscripts, the as yet undescribed archives, prints and photographs available via the online Catalogue and ArchivesSpace. Please contact the curator or Reading room desk staff if you have any questions or uncertainties.
Contact persons
- Mathieu Lommen
Curator of graphic design & typography
Send an e-mail: m.m.j.j.p.e.lommen@uva.nl - Foske Rozeboom
Collection specialist graphic design
Send an e-mail: f.a.rozeboom@uva.nl
Support the Allard Pierson
Your contribution makes it possible to acquire, expand and restore collections, to undertake research into the collections, develop educational programmes and present them to tens of thousands of visitors a year. Can we count you in?
