Penrose Archive

Acquisition of the archive and library of Sir Roland Penrose (1900-84), artist, writer, collector, and arts supremo, who was a key figure in British cultural life from the 1930's on. His circle included most of the major European artists, including Picasso, Miró and Ernst. He was one of the prime movers in bringing Surrealism to Britain. The Penrose Archive consists of documents, news cuttings, photographs and slides covering all aspects of Penrose's career. The Penrose Library represents the working library of a Surrealist artist and reflects the diverse concerns of the movement. It comprises about 10,000 titles on Dada, Surrealism and modern art in general. Among them are a number of important livres d'artiste by Picasso, max Ernst, Joan Miró and others, many of which contain original prints and special dedicatory drawings and inscriptions.