State Library of Queensland > Collections > Visual arts

VISUAL ARTS

Explore visual arts: Tetrahedrons, an image of a maquette, Kath Shillam, 1974, Image No. 6015-0007-0004

The State Library of Queensland holds a large collection of visual arts resources on painting, graphic and decorative arts, architecture and photography. The collection strength of 19th and 20th century Western art resources is complemented by a specialist collection of Australian art.

Painting, sculpture and design

This collection covers all schools, major artists, styles and periods from the ancient world to the present day and is particularly strong in Western art from the 19th century onwards.

Above: Woman's life: an image of a sculpture, Leonard Shillam, 1982, Image No. 6015-0003-0020

Architecture

Architectural history from ancient times to the contemporary world is the basis of this collection. Subject coverage is broad and includes landscape architecture, urban planning, domestic architecture and interior design and decoration.

Above: Museum building, William Street, Brisbane, ca. 1883, Image No. APA-037-01-0005

Photography

This collection is strong in works about major photographers, published collections of photographs and the history of photography to the present day.

Above: Cribb and Foote family photograph set in ornately decorated page, Image No. 187198

Antiques and collectables

This collection has an emphasis on identification, collection and valuation of antiques and collectables. The strengths are in pattern ornament and style periods.

Above: Miss Edna Phillips Antique Shop, Brisbane, ca. 1910, Image No. 40823

How do I access items in this collection?

Access at the State Library of Queensland

Find items in the collection via our One Search catalogue.
Browse Levels 2, 3 and 4 or request items from onsite ‘Closed Access’ storage with your e-services card. If you order Closed Access items via the One Search catalogue ahead of your visit, items should be waiting for you when you arrive. You can order up to 3 days in advance. See delivery times for more information.
Use our e-collections computers on level 2 to search the library’s catalogue; to search our databases for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles and to view images and manuscripts from our collection. These e-collections computers do not need to be booked and have no time limits on their use.
You can also access our electronic resources via the State Library’s free wireless service if you have a laptop. Check our Info Guide on how to access wireless for details.

Access offsite

You can access selected offsite databases to search for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles. You will be prompted to login with your e-services card or QPL account.
Some State Library items are available for loan to other libraries. Contact your local library for information about interlibrary loan and copy services.

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External Links

Last updated: 16th May 2012

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