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
Tours and Treasures
With one of our curators, enjoy a closer look at material from the Library's world famous collections and find out more about this magnificent building.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
12-1pm
Admission
Free
Website
Make your own charms
Come to our workshop and try your hand at making charms and talismans, like those used by ancient peoples to ward off danger and dark magic!
Suitable for
- Any age
When
1-4pm
Admission
Free
Website
Florence Nightingale: what nursing is and what it is not
Florence Nightingale wrote her no-nonsense Notes on Nursing in 1860 - a fascinating guide to 19th century hospital care. Would our modern National Health Service meet her exacting standards?
12-1pm
Suitable for
- Any age
When
12-1pm
Admission
Free
Website
Gargoyles r us: Gothic Tour
Due to popular demand, this Gothic symbolism tour from last year's Medieval Season is now included in our main programme. See the Library in a new light!
Suitable for
- Any age
When
2-3pm
Admission
Free
Website
It's wizard!
We invite you to come and discover the magic of our very special library collections.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
1-2pm
Admission
Free
Website
Manchester Man
Mrs G. Linnaeus Banks' most famous and enduring novel, The Manchester Man, was first published in Cassell's Family Magazine in 1875. Join us in an exploration of this book's evolution during the lifetime of its author, as it changes to suit a range of audiences and pockets!
Suitable for
- Any age
When
12-1pm
Admission
Free
Website
The artist and the book
In connection with the artists' books specially commissioned for the Locating Boccaccio exhibition, Dr Sarah Bodman (University of the West of England) will be exploring some of the ways in which national and international artists present their ideas within the format of the book today.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
7-8pm
Admission
Free
Website
Enchanting Tales
Join the Library's storyteller in one of our beautiful book-lined rooms, for tales of magic, mystery, mayhem and more!
Most suitable for families with children aged 5-12, all welcome.
Suitable for
- 0-4
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
- Family friendly
When
11am-12pm
Where
The John Rylands Library
Admission
Free but booking is essential
Website
Tours and Treasures
With one of our curators, enjoy a closer look at material from the Library's world famous collections and find out more about this magnificent building.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
12-1pm
Admission
Free
Website
Tours and Treasures
With one of our curators, enjoy a closer look at material from the Library's world famous collections and find out more about this magnificent building.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
12-1pm
Admission
Free
Website
Tours and Treasures
With one of our curators, enjoy a closer look at material from the Library's world famous collections and find out more about this magnificent building.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
12-1pm
Admission
Free
Website
- About
- | Collections
- | Exhibitions
- | Events
- | Map
