Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives, Art Gallery of Ontario

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

      Email

      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 on Wednesdays, 1pm-5pm. 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; last updated 20 February 2024.

      Language(s)

      • English

      Script(s)

        Sources

        Maintenance notes

        Access points

        Access Points

        • Arts and Culture (Thematic area)
        • Toronto (Geographic subregion)