GENERAL INFORMATION
The SSI Collection is housed in the Library of The London College of Communication (formerly The London College of Printing) at the Elephant & Castle, London. It is open to Members only, on presentation of a current Library Card. It is stored in a series of locked cabinets and cupboards and the key can be obtained from the Information Desk (see below).
Members should be aware that the Library is reference-only. A list of the books held in the Library is available for purchase from the SSI Sales page.
The main Collection in the Library List is held in two glass-fronted cabinets. There are three further cupboards housing the Large Books, Journals, Catalogues as well as various other related items. The Collection is in the process being catalogued, and if anyone wishes to know if a specific item is held they may contact the SSI Librarian, Sue Hufton at sue@thehuftons.com.
The Collection
With a booklist running to over 26 pages, not to mention catalogues, journals and other items, it is impossible to list everything here. Perhaps some examples may give an idea of the scope of the Library.
The Collection spans more than a century and a half, the oldest book in the list being Manual of Writing && Printing Characters by Wilme and published in 1845. There are, of course, a large number of books by Edward Johnston including Writing & Illuminating, && Lettering (various editions).
There are many books on the practical aspects of calligraphy, as well as the history of manuscripts (eg. A Guide to Western Historical Scripts by Michelle Brown, 1994). The art of illumination is well represented (eg. Medieval Illuminators & Their Methods of Work by J J G Alexander, 1994), as is heraldry (eg. C W Boutell’s Heraldry by Scott Giles, 1958).
There are a number of foreign books, most notably German (eg. Hermann Zapf ein Arbeitsberight by Hermann Zapf, 1984; Alte Deutsche Minneleider by Anna Simons, 1922). Other disciplines represented are:- type design (eg. On Type Design Past & Present by Stanley Morison, 1962); painted lettering (eg. The Painted Inscriptions of David Jones by Nicolete Gray, 1981); lettercutting (eg. Letter Cutting in Stone by Richard Grasby, 1989), and books about individual scribes (eg. More than Fine Writing. Irene Wellington: Calligrapher 1904-1984 by Heather Child and others, 1986).
Many examples of journals from around the world are included in the Collection, as well as various catalogues relevant to the calligrapher.
The Library holds a full collection of the Lay Members' Exhibition slides. Members are reminded that if they wish to view the slides, they need to provide their own viewer.
OPENING HOURS
During term-time:
Monday 09.30 – 20.15Tuesday 09.30 – 20.15
Wednesday 09.30 – 20.15*
Thursday 09.30 – 20.15*
Friday 09.30 – 17.45
Saturday 10.00 – 15.45
Sunday Closed
CONTACTS
London College of Communication Library (formerly London College of Printing)
Elephant & Castle
London SE1 6SB
Telephone: 0207 514 6527
SSI Librarian
Sue Hufton
Email: sue@thehuftons.com
GETTING THERE
By train: Elephant & Castle
By tube: Elephant & Castle (Bakerloo and Northern lines)
By bus: 1, 10, 12, 35, 53, 63, 69, 95, 109, 131, 133, 141, 155, 171, 176, 177, 184, 18, P2, P3.
VISITING THE LIBRARY
Members should take their signed SSI Library Card with them when visiting the Library, and it should be shown on arrival at the College. Members will not be admitted without it.
The SSI Library is in the Department of Learning Resources on the first floor of the building, and has wheelchair access. Please ask the security staff on the main desk for directions and assistance.
It is suggested that members planning a visit, telephone the Library in advance so that staff are aware of their visit. The telephone number is 020 7514 6527.
The keys to the SSI Collection are kept in a drawer in the Information Desk. There is also a Visitors’ Book which should be signed on each visit. Please return the keys and the book to the Information Desk when you leave.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The LCC Library has a website giving up-to-date information regarding opening times and dates. Please visit www.arts.ac.uk/library/3669.htm
If you would like further help regarding the SSI Collection, please contact the Librarian, Sue Hufton at sue@thehuftons.com.