The statement quells speculation in the art trade that access to the library’s invaluable archive of reproductions of western art would be curtailed as a cost-cutting measure.
The library is used heavily by members of the trade and the auction houses, who were alarmed when the Courtauld, like other higher education institutions, announced a review of its operations in the light of the current economic climate.
But, although the library remains active, there will be six redundancies and a change in management structure that necessitates the temporary closure of the library between September 7 and November 2.
Thereafter it will be open five days a week from 11am to 4pm. The current annual registration fee of £10 for public users will remain unchanged for the academic year 2009-10.