Special Collections Librarian Gustavo Grandal Montero preparing the display of Willats publications in the Old College Library.

To coincide with The West London Social Resource Project Public Monitor at CHELSEA space, Special Collections Librarian, Gustavo Grandal Montero, has mounted a very handsome show of Willats’ Publications in the Old College Library at Chelsea College of Art and Design.

A cabinet of Willats curiosities

The main part of the Library at Chelsea College of Art and Design, like CHELSEA space, is a new-build by Allies and Morrison, but the Old College Library is part of the original buildings of the former Royal Army Medical College. Whilst they look somewhat older, these buildings were built as part of the Army teaching hospital and were completed at the beginning of the 20th Century.

Since Chelsea College of Art and Design moved onto the site in January 2005, the Old College Library has been used as a quiet study space and the cabinets have been restored to display items from the Special Collections and exhibitions by students and staff at Chelsea as well as artists from outside of the college.