The ICCROM Library is pleased to share the news of a special acquisition: a selection of books from the private Library of Ramón Gutiérrez, a renowned architect and historian, and his wife, Graciela María Viñuales. Though this addition is just a part of their larger collection, it represents an important step in enriching our resources on Latin American heritage and architecture.
ICCROM Library: A Hub for Cultural Heritage Knowledge
As you all know, the ICCROM Library is a global reference point for literature on the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage. It has grown over the years to house an exceptional collection of books, journals, and resources on topics ranging from ancient materials and techniques to modern conservation challenges. Adding significant historic collections to the Library helps us maintain its reputation as a leading resource for heritage professionals worldwide. The arrival of these books from Ramón Gutiérrez’s Library reflects our commitment to safeguarding and sharing knowledge with our international community.
The Legacy of Ramón Gutiérrez and His Contribution to Heritage
Ramón Gutiérrez, together with Graciela María Viñuales, founded the Centro de Documentación de Arquitectura Latinoamericana (CEDODAL) in 1995. This center has been instrumental in studying and promoting the value of architectural and urban heritage in Latin America. Over their lifetimes, Gutiérrez and Viñuales built a vast collection of books, journals, and documents that supported their research and educational initiatives.
While much of the original CEDODAL library has been donated to institutions in Argentina, ICCROM has had the privilege of acquiring selected volumes from their private Library. These books were carefully curated by Gutiérrez, who ensured they could continue to serve researchers and practitioners in new contexts.
In Gutiérrez’s own words:
“The books that supported 65 years of research can now continue their journey in the hands of others who value and pursue the same mission of cultural preservation.”
Enriching Resources on Latin America
The selection of books acquired by ICCROM focuses on topics central to Latin American heritage, including architecture, urbanism, and conservation. This acquisition is a significant step in broadening the Library’s collection to better represent the Latin American region, which holds a rich and diverse architectural history that deserves greater global attention.
Among the acquired works are rare and unique items, including historical publications, books with handwritten annotations, and limited editions. These resources offer insights into topics such as Baroque architecture, traditional materials, and preservation techniques specific to Latin America. By making these materials available to researchers worldwide, ICCROM helps to bridge gaps in knowledge and foster greater appreciation for the cultural heritage of this region.
The Journey to ICCROM
Bringing the books from Argentina to Rome was a complex and challenging process. Organizing the transport involved weeks of preparation, from listing and securely packing the volumes to navigating international shipping requirements. Despite the difficulties, the effort was worthwhile. The Library wishes to thank Mr. Gutierrez and colleagues involved for their invaluable support.
When the books finally arrived at ICCROM, they were received with great enthusiasm. Their arrival, during the winter season, felt like a true gift—not just to the Library but to everyone who will benefit from these invaluable resources for years to come.
A Gift for Our Users
The books from Ramón Gutiérrez’s private Library will soon be available to ICCROM Library users. Researchers, scholars, and students can access these resources to deepen their understanding of Latin America’s cultural heritage. Whether it is a rare edition of a historical text, or a beautifully bound book with a personal dedication, each volume tells a story and offers opportunities for discovery.
This acquisition is more than just an addition to our shelves; it is a step toward fostering greater knowledge and appreciation of cultural heritage worldwide. We are grateful to Ramón Gutiérrez for entrusting us with this collection and everyone who worked to bring it to ICCROM.
We invite you to visit the ICCROM Library to explore this new addition and learn more about the remarkable architectural and cultural heritage.