DIVA's library collection

DIVA’s specialised library collection is unique in Belgium and is an exceptional source of information and inspiration. The collection counts about 23.000 titles and contains books, magazines, year books and auction catalogues. Besides the specialised research library, DIVA also preserves about 1.800 precious books in the Special Collections.

Research library

The library’s collection profile is in line with the collections of the museum on gold- and silversmith’s art, jewellery and diamond.

The library also gives access to an extensive documentation, mainly on (Belgian) silverworks, but also on jewellery and diamond.

You can also consult the library for more information on:

• applied arts: metals, glass, ceramics, numismatics, design, furniture, interior design

• manuals on techniques and crafts

• art history and styles

• cultural history

• economic history

• specialised periodicals, yearbooks and auction catalogues

Special collections

The library also keeps a valuable historical and cultural heritage collection, most of which originate from the early years of the Sterckshof. Since 1992, the library has been collecting, among other things, original sales catalogues and model books from Belgian silver companies and goldsmiths / jewellers and old handbooks related to the craft.

Chronologically, the Special Collections are subdivided into two sub-collections: Old Prints and Modern Preciosa. The old prints include all printed works published before 1831. Modern preciosa are the printed works of a later date, which require specific storage conditions due to their value or vulnerability.

A few gems of our library can be digitally admired on the website of Flandrica. In addition, some early printed books have been added to the Short Title Catalogue Flanders (STCV), an online bibliography of books printed in Flanders before 1801.