Primary contact
317 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Ontario
CA M5T 1G4
Identity area
Identifier
ON00012
Authorized form of name
Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives, Art Gallery of Ontario
Parallel form(s) of name
Other form(s) of name
Type
- Arts Organization
Contact area
Reference desk
Type
Address
Street address
317 Dundas Street West
Locality
Toronto
Region
Ontario
Country name
Canada
Postal code
M5T 1G4
Telephone
(416) 979-6642
Fax
library.archives@ago.ca
URL
Note
Description area
History
Geographical and cultural context
Mandates/Sources of authority
Administrative structure
Records management and collecting policies
Buildings
Holdings
The AGO Archives document the history of the Gallery since 1900, and of The Grange house since 1820. Popular series include exhibition files, publicity scrapbooks (documenting Gallery exhibitions and all other activity), architectural plans, photographs, records of the Gallery School, and correspondence (with art dealers, artists, collectors, and scholars). Because of the regularity with which several artists’ groups held exhibitions at the Gallery, the archives are a rich resource for research into the activities of the Group of Seven, the Canadian Group of Painters, the Ontario Society of Artists, and others.
The Special Collections are one of the most important concentrations of archival material on the visual arts in Canada. There are over 150 individual collections, ranging in date from the early 19th century to the present day, and documenting major artists, art dealers and collectors, artist-run galleries, and other people and organizations who have shaped the Canadian art world.
Finding aids, guides and publications
Access area
Opening times
The Library & Archives is open to the public Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1pm-5pm, and Wednesday 1-8pm. Access to Archives and Special Collections requires an appointment. We are closed annually the two weeks before Labour Day for collections maintenance.
Access conditions and requirements
All Archives and Special Collections researchers need to register, which involves supplying your contact information and agreeing to abide by the reading room rules.
Accessibility
The AGO is wheelchair accessible. Street-level access to the AGO is available through our Group Entrance, open during all public hours. Wheelchairs and walkers are available to visitors on a first-come first-served basis or may be reserved in advance of your visit.
The door to the Research Library & Archives is not wheelchair accessible, but staff are available to assist.
Services area
Research services
Reproduction services
Researchers are welcome to use their own digital devices to make reproductions for research and private study use only. Publication-quality images may be requested through the AGO's Image Resources department.
Public areas
Our reading room is equipped with Wifi and electrical outlets at each table. Two computer workstations are available for use in the general reference area.
Control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation, revision and deletion
Created August 8, 2013; updated September 19, 2017, April 20, 2018 and September 21, 2018.
Language(s)
- English
Script(s)
Sources
Maintenance notes
Access points
Access Points
- Arts and Culture (Thematic area)
- Toronto (Geographic subregion)