An overview of the Koopman Collection
- Contents: mainly French literary works and artists' books from the 19th century onwards, including first editions, commissioned copies, specially designed editions and typographically unusual editions, with a collection of letters and manuscripts by French literary authors.
- Size: about 10.300 books and several hundred manuscripts, proofs and sketches.
- Access: the titles are described in detail in the KB catalogue, including details on artists, designers, illustrators, binders and typefaces. Digital versions of stories and images from over 200 books are available in the digital exhibition.
- More information: Paul van Capelleveen.
About the Koopman Collection
The KB's Koopman Collection contains almost complete collections of authors such as Paul Valéry, Colette, André Gide, Francis Carco and many others. The focus is on the interwar period from 1920-1940. It’s mostly special editions that have been preserved from this period, including deluxe editions, plus appendices such as original letters, photos, manuscripts and proofs. The collection also includes many 20th- and 21st-century artists' books, including by Picasso, Matisse, Jean Capdeville, Bertrand Dorny and Didier Mutel. It also features a lot of post-Second World War prose.
Background of the Koopman Collection
The Koopman Collection was bequeathed to the KB in 1968 by engineer Louis J. Koopman (1887-1968). He had continued the collection of his fiancée Anny Antoine (1897-1933), who died young. Thanks to the Anny Antoine/Louis Koopman Fund Foundation, new acquisitions continue to be added to the collection of literary works. Many illustrated editions have been purchased since the 1970s. Since the year 2000, the focus has been on artists' books and editions with unusual typography.
Accessibility of the Koopman Collection
- The titles are described in detail in the KB catalogue, including details on artists, designers, illustrators, binders and typefaces.
- Digital versions of stories and images from over 200 books are available on the website for the Koopman Collection.
- The books are available for inspection in the Special Collections reading room. Presentations for groups are organised on request.
Literature about the Koopman collection
Books
- Berkel, J.K.F. van. In liefde verzameld. Franse bellettrie in bibliofiele uitgaven uit de collectie Anny Antoine-Louis Koopman. KB, 1989.
- Capelleveen, P. van & Ham, S. Artists & Others. The Imaginative French Book in the 21st Century: Koopman Collection, National Library of the Netherlands. Exhibition Guide. 2016.
- Capelleveen, P. van, Ham, S. & Joubij, J. Voix et visions. La Collection Koopman et l’Art du Livre français. KB/Waanders, 2009.
- Capelleveen, P. van. Artists & Others. The Imaginative French Book in the 21st Century: Koopman Collection, National Library of the Netherlands. Vantilt, 2016.
- Koopman, L. Anny Antoine : sa vie, nos conversations littéraires. L.J. Koopman, 1968.
Articles
- ‘Louis Jan Koopman, elektrotechnisch ingenieur, zakenman 1887-1968’. Verzamelaars en verzamelingen. Koninklijke Bibliotheek, 1789-1998. Waanders, 1998, pp. 163-167.
- Capelleveen, P. van & Ham, S. ‘Luxe, de kunst van het Franse boek’. De Boekenwereld, 22:1, 2005/2006, pp. 2.
- Capelleveen, P. van ‘Exlibris voor de Collectie Koopman’. Exlibriswereld, 46:3, 2003, pp. 366-369.
- Capelleveen, P. van. ‘De Koopman Collectie in de Koninklijke Bibliotheek’. De Boekenwereld 22:1, 2005/2006, pp. 3-9.
- Capelleveen, P. van. ‘La Collection Koopman, fleuron de la Bibliothèque nationale des Pays-Bas’. Art & métiers du livre, 273, 2009, pp. 20-35.
- Capelleveen, P. van. ‘Zelf Koopman-boeken verzamelen’. De Boekenwereld 22:1, 2005/2006, pp. 26-31.
