John Rylands Library
John Rylands Library
150 Deansgate
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M3 3EH
England
Website
www.manchester.ac.uk/library/specialcollections/
Reader enquiries
jrul.special-collections@manchester.ac.uk
Visitor and event information
Telephone
Reading Room
0161 275 3764
Visitor and Event enquiries
0161 306 0555
Main Library
0161 275 3751
Fax
0161 834 5574
The John Rylands Library merged with Manchester University Library in 1972 to form the John Rylands University Library of Manchester.
Venue Type:
Library, Archive
Additional info
The Library's collections are open to Readers aged 18 and over. However, to look at special material, a letter of reference is required.
The special collections and Manchester Medical Society Library are Designated Collections of national importance.
The special collections represent an outstanding national and regional resource, combining material of international significance with collections directly relevant to the history and wider impact of Manchester and the North West. The Manchester Medical Society Library contains medical printed books dating between c. 1800-1950, associated with the Manchester Medical Society.
Collection details
Social History, Literature, Archives
Key artists and exhibits
- Methodist Archives and Research Centre
- Labour History Archive and Study Centre
- Designated Collection
Burning Bright
Focusing on his achievements in the art of books, 'Burning Bright' features designs and prints by the artist and poet William Blake.
On display for the first time are some exciting new finds from the Library's collections--including Virgil's 'Pastorals', with Blake's enchanting miniture illustrations, and a copy of Blake's masterpiece 'The Book of Job'. Other highlights include an exquistely hand-coloured copy of Young's 'Night Thoughts', with stunning Blake engravings, and items which show his much neglected work as a commercial engraver.
Burning Bright also explores the creative impact of Blake's work, his influence on other writers and artists, and the shaping of his posthumous artistic reputation--a reputation which continues to 'burn bright'.
Where
The John Rylands Library
Admission
Free
Website
While Dreams Sleep by Geoff Brokate and Kaye Martindale
The exhibition 'While Dreams Sleep' is an intimate collection of stories and portraits which document the lives of women in Pakistan. The personal histories, some of which point to unspeakable acts of cruelty and remarkable courage, illuminate the invisible yet binding ties of tradition,culture and religion.
'Lit from Within' is a sister exhibition to 'While Dreams Sleep.'A collection of stories and portraits of British-born women of Inidan and Pakistani descent, the exhibition explores the complexities and issues faced by the female children of immigrants. The project is the result of a series of workshops run by Kaye Martindale with a group of women staying at a local women's refuge.
Where
The John Rylands Library
Admission
FREE
Website
Tony Dyson: a hidden history of gay rights campaigning
Tony Dyson began campaigning for gay rights in the late 1950s but by the 1970s his ongoing work had become overshadowed by more strident activism. This intimate display seeks to reveal Dyson's hidden history as a pioneer of post-war gay rights campaigning.
Where
The John Rylands Library
Admission
FREE
Website
An Inventory of al-Mutanabbi Street
This exhibition is a result of a project conceived by poet Beau Beausoleil and artist Sarah Bodman to "re-assemble" the "inventory" of reading material that was lost in the car bombing of al-Mutanabbi Street on 5 March 2007-- an attack in which 30 people died and more than 100 were wounded.
Book artists from around the world were asked to produce works which reflect both the strength and fragility of books, but also showed the endurance of the ideas within them, in response to this attack on the heart and soul of the Baghdad literary and intellectual community.
Where
The John Rylands Library
Admission
FREE
Website
Collection Encounters: The body stripped bare
The encounter features Andreas Vesalius 'De humani corporis fabrica--On the structure of the human Body.' One of the most influencial books on human anatomy, the Library's copy dates from 1555 and is a highlight of our remarkable medical collections.
When
12-1pm
Where
The John Rylands Library
Admission
Free but booking is essential
Website
Collection Encounters: The body stripped bare
The encounter features Andreas Vesalius 'De humani corporis fabrica--On the structure of the human Body.' One of the most influencial books on human anatomy, the Library's copy dates from 1555 and is a highlight of our remarkable medical collections.
When
12-12pm
Where
The John Rylands Library
Admission
Free but booking is essential
Website
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