Tasks and functions
It manages graphic and cartographic materials (maps, plans, posters, engravings…) that enter by donation, exchange, purchase or legal deposit. It catalogues them and contributes to their acquisition, conservation, preservation and digitization.
History
It was created in 1923 as section of stamps and engraving. By the law of libraries of 1993 it becomes the Graphic Unit.
Collections
It comprises many unique works by artists such as Piranesi, Goya, Lluís Rigalt, Fortuny, Apel·les Mestres or Francesc Casanovas, and more recently Mercedes Llimona, Cesc or Roser Capdevila.
It also includes chalcographic plates, woodcuts, bookplates, goigs romances, auques and small printed documents, that eventually become very rare, such as exhibition catalogs, music and theater programs, menus, etc, and a good collection of photographs and plates.
It has a remarkable collection of maps with unique pieces such as the Carta nàutica de Gabriel de Vallseca (pre 1439) and the collection of Mn. Ignacio M. Colomer.