The Library & Museum of Freemasonry

The entire collection of the Library & Museum of Freemasonry is a Designated Collection of national importance.

The collections illustrate the international, social and ethnic diversity of the membership including royalty, public figures, scientists and writers as well as the many millions of members from all walks of life. This diversity is represented by objects including an important decorative arts collection, photographs and documents.

The Museum contains an extensive collection of objects with Masonic decoration including pottery and porcelain, glassware, silver, furniture and clocks, jewels and regalia. Items belonging to famous and Royal Freemasons including Winston Churchill and Edward VII are on display together with examples from the Museum's extensive collection of prints and engravings, photographs and ephemera.

Library and Museum staff are always pleased to help visitors with enquiries regarding identification or to respond to telephone or written enquiries. There is also a large collection of items relating to non-Masonic fraternal societies such as the Oddfellows and the Sons of the Phoenix.

The Library is open for reference use. It contains a comprehensive collection of printed books and manuscripts on every facet of Freemasonry in England as well as material on Freemasonry elsewhere in the world and on subjects associated with Freemasonry or with mystical and esoteric traditions. The collections include Masonic music, poetry and literature. There are a number of notable examples of fine eighteenth and nineteenth century bindings.

Collection details

Social History, Personalities, Music, Literature, Fine Art, Design, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Coins and Medals, Archives, Architecture

Key artists and exhibits

• Designated Collection

Collections services

• Object identification and/or written enquiry service
• Public access available to collections information
• Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)