The St James’s Square entrance is now open. 

This was previously closed for vital remedial works to the front steps which were completed on 2 November. 

We are delighted to share The Philip Mould Picture Archive as a new e-resource, now available to all London Library members.  

A fully searchable online database of 500 years of British Art, the archive comprises every artwork that has passed through the gallery’s doors over the last 35 years.  

All images in the archive can be licensed for any scholarly, editorial, and commercial usage via Bridgeman Images. 

As a member you can access the The Philip Mould Picture Archive on our Catalyst web page, listed under eResources – Arts

With a London Library membership, you can access The Philip Mould Picture Archive and our extensive digital resources including JSTOR, The British Newspaper Archive and much more. 

Explore the collections

The London Library is delighted to announce the official renaming of its Writers’ Room to ‘The Stoppard Room’ in honour of Sir Tom Stoppard’s outstanding contribution to, and impact on, the Library while serving as its President for 15 years (2002–17), and since then as Vice-President. Stoppard and his wife, Sabrina attended an event held at the Library to mark the occasion and were joined by incumbent Library President, Helena Bonham Carter and former President, Sir Tim Rice (2017-2022).

Stoppard has given his time generously to the Library and has played a leading role in its development for the next generation and beyond. Upon his retirement as President, the Library created the Tom Stoppard Innovation Fund, which, thanks to dozens of generous supporters, has played a crucial role in helping the Library fund new initiatives. To date, the Innovation Fund has enabled vital developments such as the accelerated completion of retrospective cataloguing of pre-1950 books into the online catalogue, RFID security tagging of the collection and equipment for improved stock management. 

Alongside fundraising and stakeholder engagement, Stoppard has supported the Library publicly by engaging with the press and taking part in the Library’s literary festivals in 2016 and 2021.  

The renaming is also a tribute to his achievements as one of the country’s most distinguished and widely admired writers. A Library member since 1970, Stoppard continues to support the Library as a Vice-President. 

Founded in 1841, the Library has always been open to all and remains a world-class centre of creativity and the home of literary inspiration. Around 700 books are published each year by Library members, and over 460 film scripts, TV screenplays or theatre scripts are also produced by Library members annually, estimating an annual value of £21.3m generated for the UK economy (Nordicity and Chartered Accountants Saffrey Champness Impact Report, 2020).  

Following a period of growth and development in recent years, The London Library announced in May a major programme of improvements to its building in St James’s Square. These planned improvements will increase the Library’s public impact, make the collection more accessible, support the needs of the Library’s growing membership, and will contribute to the long-term sustainability of this leading literary institution.  

London Library Vice-President, Sir Tom Stoppard commented, “From the day I joined the London Library, it has been the institution closest to my heart, and I often indulge in the fantasy that I have been locked in to browse wherever my eyes take me. The idea that my name might be attached to one of the spaces protected by 14 St James’s Square lends a substance to my romance with our Library. I can hardly imagine a nicer compliment and I am very proud of it.” 

London Library Director, Philip Marshall commented, “We are incredibly grateful to Sir Tom for his extraordinary contribution to The London Library, both as President and in his ongoing role as Vice President. His tireless work to promote and support the Library’s development has enabled us to make tremendous improvements over the last 20 years and continues to support our future plans for the Library as the home of literary inspiration.”