Art & Architecture Collection > Researching an Architectural Structure

Key Reference Titles

Encyclopedias & Dictionaries | Periodical Indexes | Other Resources

Encyclopedias & Dictionaries

The Macmillan Encyclopedia of Architects ( New York: Free Press: London: Collier Macmillan, 1982)
Consists of four volumes and is an excellent resource for information on architects. Arranged alphabetically, covering architects internationally through the ages, it features articles with illustrations. At the end of each article is a chronological list of works, followed by a bibliography. All articles are signed. At the back of volume four is an excellent index of buildings by name. This is helpful in locating an individual structure without prior knowledge of the architect.

Biographical Dictionary of American Architects (Deceased) by Henry Withey (Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 1956).
This work contains entries on nearly two thousand men and women, all deceased. Each entry carries birth and death dates and a short entry on the architect, along with references indicating from where the information was obtained. This is a good source for well-known and more obscure architects.

Architects in Practice, New York City, 1840-1900 by Dennis Steadman Francis ( New York: Committee for the Preservation of Architectural Records, 1979) Architects in Practice New York City 1900-1940 by James Ward (Union, N.J: J&D Associates, [1989])
Published for the Committee for the Preservation of Architectural Records, each work follows a similar format. Compiled by searching directories of the five boroughs between 1840 and 1900, Francis’ Directory lists architects with their addresses and room numbers.  Ward's volume includes the firm's official landmarks in New York, when known.

The Encyclopedia of World Art (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1959-1983)
Comprised of 16 volumes and has excellent articles written and signed by internationally renowned scholars. Accompanied by an extensive bibliography, it includes photographs, plans and sections. The index is extensive and provides access to specific structures listed under their city.  (ie: Florence - Strozzi Chapel.)

Dictionary of Art (New York: Grove, 1996)
An update to the Encyclopedia of World Art.  Comprised of 33 volumes, plus an index , architecture is extensively covered. Articles are written by scholars and experts in the field and each one is signed. This resource is also available in electronic format.

Periodical Indexes

Oftentimes, an entire book is not written about an architect or a building. This is especially true for lesser known architects and buildings that are not famous. However, you could find within a periodical article floor plans, facade illustrations, and even elevations. And, if the article appears in a journal that is scholarly, there may be footnotes and a bibliography that can lead you to further sources.

The Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals

As discussed earlier, this is the single best resource for finding articles on architects or architectural structures. Indexing over 1,000 periodicals published worldwide, its subjects include: archaelogy, architecture, architectural design, city planning, historic preservation, history of architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and urban planning.  In hard copy the index is now up to its seventeenth supplement, published in 1996. The more current electronic version is available from computers in the Library’s reading rooms.

Art Index ( New York: H.W. Wilson, 1932- )

Another excellent source for periodical articles, dating back to 1929. Also available electronically, it has many access points from which you can search: author, subject, title words, journal name, organization and year, or any combination of the above. The electronic version is divided into two parts. The Art Index covers 1984 to the present and Art Index Retrospective covers 1929 to 1984.

(RILA): Repertoire International de la Literature de l'Art (Williamstown, Mass: College Art Association of America, 1975- 1989)

Repertoire d'Art et d'Archeologie (Paris: Editions du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. 1st ser., v.1-68, 1910-64. N.s., v.1- , (annee 1964) 1965- 1989)

Two additional indexes that were published abroad and include references to foreign language journals. Both are very scholarly. RILA indexes books, periodical articles, conference proceedings, festschriften, collected essays, exhibition catalogues, museum publications, and doctoral dissertations. Some abstracts are provided.

BHA: The Bibliography of the History of Art = Bibliographie d'Histoire de l'Art (Vandoeuvre-l'es-Nancy, France: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de L'information Scientifique et Technique: Santa Monica, California: J. Paul Getty Trust, Getty Art History Information Program, 1991- ).

In 1989 RILA and Repertoire merged to form BHA.  Published bilingually in French and English, BHA covers European art from the 4th century to the present, and North & South American art from the European discover of the Americas to the present. It includes the fine arts, decorative & applied arts, industrial design and photography. It is also available in an electronic format (CD Rom) with powerful search capabilities as well as extensive summaries attached to articles.

Other Resources

For non-book materials The New York Public Library Artist Files (Alexandria, VA: Chadwyck-Healey Inc., [1989] contain some information on architects. Although concentrating on artists primarily, these microfiche files are a good place to check for ephemeral material: clippings, announcements, newspaper articles, etc. are all included. This file which was developed during the Works Progress Administration. Its coverage ends in 1972.

Newspaper indexes may also be helpful in tracking down an architect or a specific building. It's possible that when the building was constructed or opened it may have been newsworthy due to the prestigious nature of the architectural firm, prestigious nature of the building, design, cost, etc. In addition to searching national newspapers, newspapers of that city would be particularly useful.  Check the Newspaper Research Guide for assistance in this area.

Apart from the extensive holdings at The New York Public Library, there are other Art & Architecture Libraries whose holdings should be consulted. In New York City both the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as the Museum of Modern Art contain many helpful architectural resources for study.