View source for John Rylands Research Institute and Library

{{short description|Research library in Manchester, England}}
{{Distinguish|Rylands Building}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{Infobox building
| name             = John Rylands Research Institute and Library
| native_name      = 
| native_name_lang = 
| former_names     = 
| alternate_names  = Rylands
| status           = 
| image            = Rylands Library Deansgate.jpg
| image_alt        = 
| image_size       = 
| caption          = 
| map_type         = 
| map_alt          = 
| map_caption      = 
| altitude         = 
| building_type    = Library
| architectural_style = [[Victorian architecture|Victorian]] [[Neo-Gothic]]
| structural_system = 
| owner            = [[University of Manchester]]
| cost             = £200,000<ref>{{citation |title=John Rylands Library |url=http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=1093 |work=Engineering Timelines |access-date=25 February 2012}}</ref><ref>According to Clare Hartwell the cost was £230,000:-{{citation |last=Hartwell |first=Clare |title=Manchester |series=Pevsner Architectural Guides |publisher=Penguin Books |location=London |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-14-071131-8}}</ref>
| location         = [[Deansgate, Manchester|Deansgate]], [[Manchester]], England
| mapframe         = no
| coordinates      = {{coord|53.480321|-2.2487|display=inline,title}}
| start_date       = 1890
| completion_date  = 1899<ref name="jrl_plan">{{cite web |title=Plan of John Rylands Library, Manchester |url=http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/maps/john-rylands-map.html |url-status=usurped |access-date=29 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106090702/http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/maps/john-rylands-map.html |archive-date=6 January 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| opened_date      = 1 January 1900
| inauguration_date = 6 October 1899
| renovation_date  = 1920, 1962, 2003–07
| main_contractor  = R. and W. Morrison, Liverpool
| architect        = [[Basil Champneys]]<ref name="jrl_plan"/>
| website          = [https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/ Official website]
| embedded         = 
| references       = 
| designations        = {{Designation list
  | embed                 = yes
  | designation1          = Grade I Listed Building
  | designation1_offname  = John Rylands Library and attached railings, gates and lamp standards
  | designation1_date     = 25 January 1952
  | designation1_number   = {{NHLE|num=1217800|short=y|postscript=none}}
  }}
}}

The '''John Rylands Research Institute and Library''' is a [[Victorian era|late-Victorian]] [[Gothic Revival architecture|neo-Gothic]] building on [[Deansgate]] in [[Manchester]], England. It is part of the [[University of Manchester]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=John Rylands Research Institute and Library (The University of Manchester Library) |url=https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/ |access-date=12 March 2022 |website=library.manchester.ac.uk}}</ref> The library, which opened to the public in 1900, was founded by [[Enriqueta Augustina Rylands]] in memory of her husband, [[John Rylands]].<ref name="special_collection_information">{{cite web |title=JRUL Special Collections: Visitor Information |url=http://rylibweb.man.ac.uk/spcoll/visitor/ |url-status=dead |access-date=29 April 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718094851/http://rylibweb.man.ac.uk/spcoll/visitor/ |archive-date=18 July 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> It became part of the university in 1972, and now houses the majority of the Special Collections of [[The University of Manchester Library]], the third largest academic library in the United Kingdom {{cn|date=March 2025}}.

Special collections built up by both libraries were progressively concentrated in the Deansgate building. The special collections, believed to be among the largest in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite news |title=What are Special Collections? |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/academicsupport/usingspecialcollections/whatare-specialcollections/ |work=University of Manchester |access-date=6 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202224047/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/academicsupport/usingspecialcollections/whatare-specialcollections/ |archive-date=2 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> include [[medieval]] [[illuminated manuscript]]s and examples of early European printing, including a [[Gutenberg Bible]] and a [[Mainz Psalter]], the second largest collection of printing by [[William Caxton]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/incunabulacollection/ |title=Incunabula Collection |access-date=25 February 2012 |publisher=The University of Manchester |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601041933/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/incunabulacollection/ |archive-date=1 June 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and the most extensive collection of the editions of the [[Aldine Press]] of Venice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/aldinecollection/|title=Aldine Press|access-date=25 February 2012|publisher=The University of Manchester|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517035123/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/aldinecollection/|archive-date=17 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Rylands Library Papyrus P52]] has a claim to be the earliest extant [[New Testament]] text. The library holds personal papers and letters of notable figures, among them the novelist [[Elizabeth Gaskell]] and the scientist [[John Dalton]].

The architectural style is primarily neo-Gothic with elements of the [[Arts and Crafts movement]] in the ornate and imposing gatehouse, facing Deansgate, which dominates the surrounding streetscape. The library, granted [[Grade I listed buildings in Greater Manchester#Manchester|Grade I listed status]] in 1994, is maintained by the [[University of Manchester]] and open for library readers and visitors.

The library is one of the museum, library and archive collections of national and international importance under the [[Designation Scheme]] for England.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/raising-standards/designation-scheme/.| title = Arts Council - Designation Scheme| access-date = 10 August 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120718222932/http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/raising-standards/designation-scheme/| archive-date = 18 July 2012| url-status = dead}}</ref> {{As of|2020}}, 152 collections are officially designated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/publication/designated-outstanding-collections|title=Designated Collections {{!}} Arts Council England|website=artscouncil.org.uk|language=en|access-date=25 August 2020}}</ref>

==History==
Enriqueta Rylands purchased a site on Deansgate for her memorial library in 1889 and commissioned a design from architect [[Basil Champneys]].<ref name="special_collection_information" /><ref>Farnie, D. A. (1989) "Enriqueta Augustina Rylands" in: ''[[Bulletin of the John Rylands University Library of Manchester]]'', LXXI, 2 (summer 1989); pp.&nbsp;3–38</ref> Mrs Rylands commissioned the Manchester academic [[Alice Margaret Cooke|Alice Cooke]] to index the vast library of the [[George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer|2nd Earl Spencer]] which she had purchased and another collection of autographs.<ref name=perrone>Fernanda Helen Perrone, ‘Cooke, Alice Margaret (1867–1940)’, [[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography]], Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/62414, accessed 26 Dec 2015]</ref> Mrs Rylands intended the library to be principally [[theology|theological]], and the building, which is a fine example of Victorian Gothic, has the appearance of a [[church (building)|church]], although the concept was of an Oxford college library on a larger scale.<ref name="Farnie 1989">Farnie (1989)</ref> Champneys presented plans to Mrs Rylands within a week of gaining the commission. Thereafter frequent disagreements arose and Mrs Rylands selected decorative elements, window glass and statues against his wishes.<ref>{{Citation |title=Basil Champneys (1842–1935) |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/thepeople/basilchampneys/ |publisher=University of Manchester (The) |access-date=25 February 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804170446/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/thepeople/basilchampneys/ |archive-date=4 August 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Champneys was given the honour of speaking about the library at a general meeting of the [[Royal Institute of British Architects]] and was awarded a [[Royal Gold Medal]] in 1912.<ref name="Bowler 2000 187"/> The library was granted [[listed building]] status on 25 January 1952, which was upgraded to Grade I on 6 June 1994.<ref name = "NHLE">{{National Heritage List for England |num= 1217800|desc= John Rylands Library and Attached Railings, Gates and Lamp Standards|access-date= 27 September 2012}}</ref>

The core of the library's collection was formed around 40,000 books, including many rarities, assembled by [[George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer]], which Mrs Rylands purchased from Lord Spencer in 1892<ref name="special_collection">{{cite web | url=http://rylibweb.man.ac.uk/data2/spcoll/ | title = JRUL: Special Collections Guide | access-date=29 April 2007}}</ref> for £210,000.<ref name="Laubier, G 2003">Laubier, G. de, & Bosser, J. (2003). ''The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World''. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.</ref> She had begun acquiring books in 1889 and continued to do so throughout her lifetime.<ref name="Farnie 1989"/> Another notable purchase made by Mrs Rylands was that of over 6,000 manuscripts from the ''Bibliotheca Lindesiana'' of [[James Lindsay, 26th Earl of Crawford]] at Haigh Hall in 1901. Quickly and without discussion, Mrs Rylands took them off his hands for £155,000, having made her decision based upon cursory description, as Lord Crawford had never produced a definitive description.<ref name="Laubier, G 2003"/>

After its inauguration on 6 October 1899 (the wedding anniversary of John Rylands and Enriqueta Tennant),<ref name="Farnie 1989"/> the library opened to readers and visitors on 1 January 1900.<ref name="special_collection_information"/> At the time of Enriqueta's death in 1908, the library held more than 50,000 volumes of exceptional quality. In the following years, thanks to bequests, the library acquired 80,000 works and 3,000 manuscripts, which required the construction of an annex behind the main building.<ref>Laubier, G. de., & Bosser, J. (2003). The most beautiful libraries in the world. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.</ref>

The John Rylands Library and the [[University of Manchester Library|Manchester University Library]] merged in July 1972 and was named the John Rylands University Library of Manchester. Special collections built up by both libraries were progressively concentrated in the Deansgate building.

The building has been extended four times, the first time to designs by Champneys in 1920 after the project was delayed by [[World War I]]. The [[Isaac Wolfson|Lady Wolfson Building]] opened in 1962 on the west side and a third extension, south of the first was built in 1969.
In January 2003, an appeal to renovate the building was launched.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Appeal to restore historic library |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2678977.stm |work=BBC News |date=21 January 2003 |access-date=17 February 2013}}</ref> Funds were generated from grants from the University of Manchester and [[Heritage Lottery Fund]] and donations from members of the public and companies in Manchester.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Library closes for refit |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/3106460.stm |work=BBC News |date=13 September 2003 |access-date=17 February 2013}}</ref> The project, '''Unlocking the Rylands''', demolished the third extension, refurbished parts of the old building and erected a pitched roof over its reinforced concrete roof. Champneys designed a pitched roof but Mrs Rylands was advised that an internal stone vault would reduce the fire risk and it was not built.<ref name="special_collection" /> The £17 million project was completed by summer 2007 and the library reopened on 20 September 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |title=City's historic library reopens |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7004206.stm |work=BBC News |date=20 September 2007 |access-date=17 February 2013}}</ref>

A £7.6 million plan to upgrade the library was issued in February 2024  under which Manchester City Council will allow a series of "sensitive adaptations" to update the John Rylands Research Institute and Library. The project 'John Rylands Next Chapter' is a part of its Imagine2030 vision.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-13 |title=Council approves £7.6m John Rylands library renovation |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-68285037 |access-date=2024-03-30 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Location==
[[File:John Rylands Library 1.jpg|thumb|right|Facade of the John Rylands Library]]
[[File:The John Rylands Library.jpg|thumb|right|Reading Room of the Rylands Library]]
By the nineteenth century Manchester was a prosperous industrial town and the demands of [[Cotton mill|cotton manufacturing]] stimulated the growth of engineering and chemical industries. The town became 'abominably filthy' and was 'often covered, especially during the winter, with dense fogs&nbsp;... there is at all times a copious descent of soots and other impurities'.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bowler|Brimblecombe|2000|p=176}}</ref> This, and the overcrowded site, created many design problems for the architect.<ref name="Bowler 2000 177">{{Harvnb|Bowler|Brimblecombe|2000|p=177}}</ref> During the century most textile manufacture moved to newer mills in the surrounding towns while Manchester remained the centre of trading in cotton goods both for the home and foreign markets but pollution from burning coal and gas remained a considerable nuisance.

The site chosen by Mrs Rylands was in a central and fashionable part of the city, but was awkward in shape and orientation and surrounded by tall warehouses, derelict cottages and narrow streets.<ref name="Bowler 2000 177"/> The position was criticised for its lack of surrounding space and the fact that the valuable manuscript collections were to be housed in "that dirty, uncomfortable city&nbsp;... [with] not enough light to read by, and the books they already have are wretchedly kept" (written in 1901 about the [[Crawford MSS]].)<ref name="Bowler 2000 177"/> Mrs Rylands negotiated Deeds of Agreement with her neighbours to fix the heights of future adjacent buildings. The permissible height of the building was fixed at just over 34 feet, but it was suggested that it could be taller at the centre if there was an open area around the edges, at the height of buildings that had been demolished to make way for the construction.<ref name="Bowler 2000 177"/> Champneys incorporated this suggestion into his design, setting the two towers of the façade twelve feet back from the boundary and keeping the entrance block low, to allow light into the library.<ref name="Bowler 2000 177"/> He designed the building in a series of tiered steps with an almost flat roof to give a 'liberal concession' to the neighbours' 'right to light'.<ref name="Bowler 2000 178">{{Harvnb|Bowler|Brimblecombe|2000|p=178}}</ref>

==Architecture==

===Exterior===
The library was built on a rectangular plan and subsequent extensions are to the rear. It was designed to resemble a church in a decorated neo-Gothic style with Arts and Crafts details.<ref name = "NHLE"/> It is constructed of Cumbrian [[sandstone]], the interior a delicately shaded 'Shawk' stone (from [[Dalston, Cumbria|Dalston]], varying in colour between sand and a range of pinks) and the exterior, dark red Barbary stone from [[Penrith, Cumbria|Penrith]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://enriqueta.man.ac.uk:8180/luna/servlet/detail/Manchester~91~1~95745~105447:Historic-Reading-Room|title=Historic Reading Room|work=John Rylands University Library Image Collections|publisher=John Rylands University Library|access-date=3 December 2010|archive-date=18 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618155229/http://enriqueta.man.ac.uk:8180/luna/servlet/detail/Manchester~91~1~95745~105447:Historic-Reading-Room|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/CUL/Dalston/Gaz1868.html|title=Dalston, Cumberland|work=The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland, 1868|publisher=GENUKI|access-date=3 December 2010}}</ref> built around an internal steel framed structure and brick arched flooring.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bowler|Brimblecombe|2000|p=179}}</ref> The red 'Barbary plain' sandstone, which Champneys believed 'had every chance of proving durable' for the exterior, was an unusual choice in late Victorian Manchester. It proved relatively successful, as an inspection by Champneys in 1900 revealed little softening by the 'effects of an atmosphere somewhat charged with chemicals' although, by 1909 some repairs were needed.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bowler|Brimblecombe|2000|p=181}}</ref>

The library has a [[crypt]] above which the building has two unequal storeys giving the impression of three. The ornate Deansgate façade has an [[embattled]] [[parapet]] with open-work arcading under which is a central three-[[Bay (architecture)|bay]] entrance resembling a monastery gatehouse. Its two-centred arched portal has doorways separated by a [[Trumeau (architecture)|trumeau]] and tall windows on either side. Above the doors are a pair of small [[Cant (architecture)|canted]] [[oriel window]]s. Surfaces are decorated with lacy blind tracery and finely-detailed carving.<ref name = "NHLE"/> The carving includes the "J. R." monogram, the arms of Rylands, the arms of Rylands' native town, St Helens, and those of five English, two Scottish and two Irish universities and those of [[Owens College]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Guppy|first=Henry|title=The John Rylands Library, Manchester: 1899–1924: a record of its history |publisher=University Press|location=Manchester|year=1924|page=121}}</ref>
On either side of the entrance portal are square two-storey two-bay wings with plain walls with a [[string course]] containing [[Grotesque#In architecture|grotesques]] and large octagonal [[Cupola|lanterns]]. Behind the entrance portal flanked by square towers is the three-light east window of the reading hall. It has reticulated tracery and shafts in a similar style to the parapet. In front of the library are Art Nouveau [[bronze]] railings with central double gates and lamp standards.<ref name = "NHLE"/>

===Interior===
[[File:Statues in John Rylands Library.jpg|thumb|Theology, Science and Art; by John Cassidy; in the vestibule]]
[[File:The main hall with study alcoves.jpg|thumb|Part of the gallery with some of the portraits in sculpture]] 
The main reading room on the first floor, 30 feet above the ground and 12 feet from all four boundaries, was noted for the pleasant contrast between the 'sullen roar' of Manchester and the 'internal cloister quietude of Rylands'.<ref name="Bowler 2000 178"/> It was lit by oriel windows in the reading alcoves supplemented by high [[clerestory]] windows along both sides.<ref name="Bowler 2000 178"/> Embellishments in the reading room include two large stained glass windows with portraits of religious and secular figures, designed by [[Charles Eamer Kempe|C. E. Kempe]]; a series of statues in the reading room by [[Linford Bridgeman|Robert Bridgeman and Sons]] of Lichfield;<ref>"A series of portrait statues, designed by Mr. Robert Bridgeman, of Lichfield"--Guppy, H. (1924) ''The John Rylands Library, Manchester: 1899-1924''. Manchester: University Press; p. 122</ref> and bronze work in the art nouveau style by Singer of Frome. The portraits in sculpture (20) and stained glass (40) represent a selection of personages from the intellectual and artistic history of mankind. The western window contains "Theology" from Moses to Schleiermacher; the eastern "Literature and Art" (including philosophy).<ref>{{cite book|last=Guppy|first=Henry|title=The John Rylands Library, Manchester: 1899–1924: a record of its history |publisher=University Press|location=Manchester|year=1924|pages=122–23}}</ref> The portrait statues of John and Enriqueta Rylands in [[white marble]], in the reading room, were sculpted by [[John Cassidy (artist)|John Cassidy]] who also executed the allegorical group of 'Theology, Science and Art' in the vestibule.<ref name="special_collection_information"/><ref>John Rylands and the allegorical group were completed for the inauguration, 6 October 1899; Enriqueta's statue was completed in December 1907 and portrays her at the age of her marriage in 1875.</ref>

Aside from the main library and reading room with gallery above, the design incorporated Bible and map rooms on the first floor, and conference (lecture) and committee rooms on the ground floor, part of which was intended to be a lending library but never operated as such. A caretaker's house was incorporated in the building until it was demolished for the extension of 1969.<ref name="jrl_plan"/>

===Technology===
Electric lighting was chosen as the cleanest and safest alternative to gas but, as the use of electricity was in its early stages, the supply (110 volts DC) was generated on-site. This took some years to achieve due to the inexperience of contractors,<ref name="Bowler 2000 187">{{Harvnb|Bowler|Brimblecombe|2000|p=187}}</ref> but the library became one of the first public buildings in Manchester to be lit by electricity<ref name="special_collection_information" /><ref>An electrical power supply was available in Manchester city centre from 1893, from the Dickinson Street generating station.--McKechnie, H. M., ed. (1915) ''Manchester in Nineteen Hundred and Fifteen''. Manchester: University Press; p. 27</ref> and continued to generate its own supply until 1950.<ref name="Bowler 2000 185"/>

Champneys suggested that, in order to protect the books and manuscripts, 'it will be very desirable to keep the air in the interior of the building as clear and free from smoke and chemical matter (both of which are held in the air of Manchester) as may be possible'.<ref name="Bowler 2000 185">{{Harvnb|Bowler|Brimblecombe|2000|p=185}}</ref> The ground floor was built with numerous air inlets and, although his client felt it would prove impossible to exclude foul air, Champneys installed jute or hessian screens to trap the soot, with water sprays to catch the sulphur and other chemicals,<ref name="Bowler 2000 185"/> which was a very advanced system for the period.<ref name="special_collection_information" /> Internal screen doors were employed in the entrance hall to prevent the air being 'fouled by the opening of the outer doors' with internal swing doors between the circulation areas and the main library to 'preserve the valuable books from injury'.<ref name="Bowler 2000 185"/> By 1900 the ventilation system had evolved to include electric fans to draw in air at pavement level through [[Petroleum coke|coke]] screens sprayed with water.<ref name="Bowler 2000 185"/>

==Collections==
[[File:Manchester John Rylands Library James Joyce 16-10-2009 13-55-16.JPG|thumb|First edition of ''Ulysses'' by [[James Joyce]]]]
[[File:JRL19060215.jpg|thumb|The [[Papyrus 52]] (fragment of the Gospel of John) at the John Rylands Library]]
On opening in 1900, the library had 70,000 books and fewer than 100 manuscripts<ref>{{Cite news |title=Our history - The Library opens |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/ |work=University of Manchester |access-date=12 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310031124/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/ |archive-date=10 March 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and by 2012, more than 250,000 printed volumes and over one million manuscripts and archival items.<ref>{{Cite news |title=John Rylands Library - Our history |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/ |work=University of Manchester |access-date=12 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310031124/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/ |archive-date=10 March 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The main foundation of the library's collections acquired in 1892 was the ''Althorp Library'' of [[John Spencer, 5th Earl Spencer|Lord Spencer]] regarded as one of the finest library collections in private ownership with 43,000 items - 3,000 of which originate from before 1501.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Spencer collection |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/spencercollection/ |work=University of Manchester |access-date=12 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511034042/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/spencercollection/ |archive-date=11 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=How did these books come to Manchester? |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/firstimpressions/The-Collection/How-did-these-books-come-to-Manchester/ |work=University of Manchester |access-date=12 September 2012}}</ref> Mrs Rylands paid £210,000 for Spencer's collection which included the [[Aldine Press#Publications|Aldine Collection]]<ref>{{Cite news |title=Aldine Collection |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/aldinecollection/ |work=University of Manchester |access-date=12 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517035123/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/aldinecollection/ |archive-date=17 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and an [[Incunable|incunabula]] collection of 3,000 items.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Incunabula collection |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/incunabulacollection/ |work=University of Manchester |access-date=12 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601041933/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/incunabulacollection/ |archive-date=1 June 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The incunabula included a few block books and the St Christopher block print (southern Germany, 1423) the latter being the earliest dated block print whose date in undisputed.<ref>John Rylands Library (1969) ''Catalogue of an Exhibition of Manuscripts and Early Printing Originating in Germany'' Manchester: John Rylands Library; p. 15 (citing Schreiber "Manuel" S.1349; Dodgson "Woodcuts" Dodgson 2)</ref> During subsequent years, more than 1,000 more incunabula were added to the collection (from various sources).

Owens College Library received [[Richard Copley Christie]]'s library of over 8,000 volumes including many rare books from the [[Renaissance]] period in 1901.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Christie collection |url=https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/special-collections/exploring/a-to-z/detail/?mms_id=992983876611601631 |publisher=University of Manchester |access-date=July 6, 2022}}</ref> It was part of the Victoria University of Manchester library from 1904 and was transferred to the John Rylands Library building after the merger in 1972. In 1901, Mrs Rylands paid £155,000 for more than 6,000 manuscripts owned by [[James Lindsay, 26th Earl of Crawford]] of [[Haigh Hall]]. The [[James Lindsay, 26th Earl of Crawford#The Bibliotheca Lindesiana|''Bibliotheca Lindesiana'']] was one of the most impressive private collections in Britain at the time, both for its size and rarity of some of its contents.<ref>Guppy, Henry (1946) "The ''Bibliotheca Lindesiana''", in: ''Bulletin of the John Rylands Library''; vol. 30, pp.&nbsp;185–94</ref><ref>Barker, Nicolas (1978) ''Bibliotheca Lindesiana: the lives and collections of Alexander William, 25th Earl of Crawford and 8th Earl of Balcarres and James Ludovic, 26th Earl of Crawford and 9th Earl of Balcarres''. London: Quaritch for the Roxburghe Club; pp.&nbsp;350–54, 361-62</ref> [[Walter Llewellyn Bullock]] bequeathed 5,000 items (notably early Italian imprints) during the 1930s.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bullock collection |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/bullockcollection/ |work=University of Manchester |access-date=12 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504171342/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/bullockcollection/ |archive-date=4 May 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Mrs Rylands died in 1908 having bequeathed her private collections and an endowment of £200,000 to enable the library to expand. The funds were used to acquire 180,000 books, 3,000 manuscripts and extend the building.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Our History - Enriqueta Rylands |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/ |work=University of Manchester |access-date=12 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310031124/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/ |archive-date=10 March 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Librarian, [[Henry Guppy (librarian)|Henry Guppy]], invited individuals to deposit their archives for safe keeping in 1921 when there were no [[county record office]]s in Lancashire or Cheshire and the library became one of the first to collect historical family records.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Our History - Family archives deposited |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/ |work=University of Manchester |access-date=12 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310031124/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/ |archive-date=10 March 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The library's collections include exquisite medieval illuminated manuscripts, examples of early European printing including a fine paper copy of the [[Gutenberg Bible]] and books printed by [[William Caxton]], and personal papers of distinguished historical figures including Elizabeth Gaskell, John Dalton and [[John Wesley]].<ref name="special_collection" /> There is no history of this copy of the Gutenberg Bible before it was acquired by the 2nd Earl Spencer.<ref>There are 48 complete or nearly complete extant copies of the Gutenberg Bible of which a few are on vellum. [http://www.bl.uk/treasures/gutenberg/copieselse.html Gutenberg in the British Library at bl.uk]</ref><ref>The copy has some illuminated initial letters and the leaves are uncut (without trimming of the margins); MS. notes to guide the illuminator are near the top edges of the pages. The two folio volumes were rebound in blue morocco for Lord Spencer.</ref>

The library houses [[papyrus]] fragments known as the [[Rylands Papyri]] and documents from [[North Africa]]. The most notable are the ''St John Fragment'', believed to be the oldest extant [[New Testament]] text, [[Rylands Library Papyrus P52]], the earliest fragment of the text of the canonical Gospel of John;<ref name="papyrus">{{cite web|url=http://rylibweb.man.ac.uk/data1/dg/text/fragment.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070421182600/http://rylibweb.man.ac.uk/data1/dg/text/fragment.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 April 2007 |title=An Unpublished Fragment of the Fourth Gospel |publisher=JRUL |access-date=29 April 2007}}</ref> the earliest fragment of the [[Septuagint]], [[Papyrus Rylands 458]]; and [[Papyrus Rylands 463]], a manuscript fragment of the apocryphal Gospel of Mary. [[Minuscule 702]], ε2010 ([[Biblical manuscript#Von Soden|von Soden]]),<ref name = Soden>[[Hermann von Soden]], ''Die Schriften des neuen Testaments, in ihrer ältesten erreichbaren Textgestalt / hergestellt auf Grund ihrer Textgeschichte'' (Berlin, 1902), vol. 1, p. 169</ref> is a [[Greek language|Greek]] [[List of New Testament minuscules|minuscule]] [[manuscript]] of the [[New Testament]], on parchment. Among the [[Oxyrhynchus Papyri|papyri from Oxyrhynchus]] are a homily about women (Inv R. 55247), part of the [[Book of Tobit]] (Apocrypha) (448), and [[Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 73]], relating to the transfer of a slave. The Arabic papyri were catalogued by [[David Samuel Margoliouth]]; his catalogue was published in 1933.<ref>Margoliouth, D. S. (1933) ''Catalogue of Arabic Papyri in the John Rylands Library, Manchester''. Manchester</ref>

In addition to the collections of Spencer, Crawford, Christie and [[Walter Bullock|Bullock]],<ref>{{cite web|title= Bullock Collection, The University of Manchester, The John Rylands University Library|url= http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/bullockcollection/|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120504171342/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/bullockcollection/|archive-date= 4 May 2012|df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Bullock Collection, The John Rylands Library|url= http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/thecollections/|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110720193342/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/deansgate/ourhistory/thecollections/|archive-date= 20 July 2011|df= dmy-all}}</ref> holdings have been enriched by gifts, permanent loans or purchases of several libraries belonging to institutions and individuals. These include the French Revolution Broadsides donated by the 27th Earl of Crawford in 1924<ref>"The 'Bibliotheca Lindesiana'", in: ''The Bulletin of the John Rylands Library''; vol. 30, no. 1, 1946p. 11</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/frenchrevolutioncollection/|title=French Revolution Collection|publisher=University of Manchester (The)|access-date=29 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528101254/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/atoz/frenchrevolutioncollection/|archive-date=28 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the archives of the [[Methodist Church of Great Britain]] in 1977.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/guidetospecialcollections/methodist/ |title=Methodist Collections |publisher=University of Manchester (The)|access-date=29 February 2012}}</ref> In 1924 the library purchased the greater part of the French revolutionary collection of the Bibliotheca Lindesiana; and then on the occasion of the library's semi-jubilee the [[David Lindsay, 27th Earl of Crawford|27th Earl of Crawford]] donated the French Revolutionary Broadsides from the Bibliotheca Lindesiana.<ref>Barker, Nicolas (1978) ''Bibliotheca Lindesiana: the Lives and Collections of Alexander William, 25th Earl of Crawford and 8th Earl of Balcarres, and James Ludovic, 26th Earl of Crawford and 9th Earl of Balcarres''. London: for Presentation to the Roxburghe Club, and published by Bernard Quaritch; p. 375</ref> Between 1946 and 1988 a number of sections of the Earl of Crawford's library were deposited here,<ref>Guppy, Henry (1946) "The 'Bibliotheca Lindesiana'", in: ''Bulletin of the John Rylands Library''; vol. 30, pp.&nbsp;185–94</ref> however all but one of these were withdrawn in 1988.

The British Pop Archive, a national collection dedicated to the preservation and research of popular culture, opened with an exhibition at the library in May 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-60998194|title=Joy Division and Coronation Street treasures launch British Pop Archive|date=6 April 2022|website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/history/article/joy-division-top-the-bill-as-british-pop-archive-opens-at-manchester-library-nvbnr0b5n|title=Joy Division top the bill as British Pop Archive opens at Manchester library|first=Peter|last=Chappell|work=[[The Times]]|date=6 April 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/sex-pistols-and-joy-division-to-feature-in-new-british-pop-archive-14331/|title=Sex Pistols and Joy Division to feature in new British Pop Archive|first=Nick|last=Reilly|date=6 April 2022|website=Rolling Stone UK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.creativereview.co.uk/studiodbd-british-pop-archive/|title=Studio DBD's British Pop Archive branding points north west|date=7 April 2022|website=Creative Review}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mixmag.net/read/british-pop-culture-archive-exhibition-manchester-news|title=British Pop Culture Archive exhibition to open in Manchester|website=Mixmag}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/joy-division-sex-pistols-and-more-to-feature-in-new-british-pop-archive-in-manchester-3199201|title=Joy Division, Sex Pistols and more to feature in new British Pop Archive in Manchester|website=[[NME]] |date=6 April 2022}}</ref>

==Staff==
Librarians at John Rylands before its merger include [[Edward Gordon Duff]] in 1899 and 1900 and Henry Guppy between 1899 and 1948 (joint Librarian with Duff until 1900). Duff was responsible for the original library catalogue, compiled between 1893 and 1899: ''Catalogue of the Printed Books and Manuscripts in the John Rylands Library, Manchester''; ed. E. G. Duff. Manchester: J. E. Cornish, 1899. 3 vols.<ref name="Farnie 1989"/> The cataloguing of the books was done by [[Alice Margaret Cooke]], a graduate of the Victoria University.<ref>[http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/firstimpressions/Pioneers-of-Print/Enriqueta-Rylands/ Enriqueta Rylands], First Impressions, University of Manchester, Retrieved 5 January 2016</ref> Dr Guppy began publication of the ''[[Bulletin of the John Rylands Library]]'' in 1903; it later became a journal publishing academic articles and from autumn 1972 the title was changed to the ''[[Bulletin of the John Rylands University Library of Manchester]]'' (further slight changes have occurred since).<ref>Publication was suspended for a few years (1909–13) but it has been published continuously since 1914, either two or three issues a year</ref>

During the First World War 11 members of staff joined the armed forces; of these only Capt. O. J. Sutton, MC, lost his life while serving.<ref>Guppy, Henry (1924) ''The John Rylands University Library, Manchester: 1899-1824''. Manchester: University Press; p. 35</ref> Other noteworthy members of staff were [[James Rendel Harris]], [[Alphonse Mingana]], the Semitic scholar Professor [[Edward Robertson (Semitic scholar)|Edward Robertson]] (d. 1964) who was the third librarian,<ref>''Bulletin of the John Rylands Library'', Vol. 45 (1962/63), pp.&nbsp;1–2, 273-75; 47 (1964/65), pp.&nbsp;1–2</ref><ref>''Who was Who; 1961–1970'', p. 966</ref> and [[Moses Tyson]], keeper of western manuscripts, afterwards librarian of Manchester University Library. Stella Butler, a medical historian, was Head of Special Collections from 2000 until 2009, and she moved to the [[University of Leeds]] in 2011 as University Librarian.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/200192/library_staff/1038/dr_stella_butler |title=Dr Stella Butler |publisher=University of Leeds |access-date=9 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611090924/http://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/200192/library_staff/1038/dr_stella_butler |archive-date=11 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leeds.ac.uk/forstaff/news/article/1383/university_librarian_appointment-dr_stella_butler |publisher=University of Leeds |title=University Librarian appointment - Dr Stella Butler |access-date=9 July 2011}}</ref> From 2009 to 2019, Rachel Beckett was Head of Special Collections and Associate Director of The John Rylands Library. Christopher Pressler was appointed John Rylands University Librarian and Director of The University of Manchester Library in February 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/new-university-librarian/ |publisher=University of Manchester |title=New University Librarian and Director of The John Rylands Library |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>

==John Rylands Research Institute==
The John Rylands Research Institute was originally founded by Acting Librarian David Miller in 1987,<ref>{{Cite book|title = A History of the University of Manchester, 1973-90|last1 = Pullan|first1 = Brian|publisher = Manchester University Press|year = 2004|isbn = 9780719062421|pages = 261|last2 = Abendstern|first2 = Michele}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mrdwmiller.wordpress.com/|title=The John Rylands Research Institute : The True Tale Told|website=The John Rylands Research Institute : The True Tale Told|language=en-US|access-date=8 March 2016}}</ref> to promote, fund and stimulate research on the primary material held at Deansgate. It was relaunched in 2013, with Professor Peter Pormann as director, as a collaboration between The University of Manchester's Faculty of Humanities and The John Rylands Library.<ref>[http://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/university-launches-the-john-rylands-research-institute/] "University launches the John Rylands Research Institute" Retrieved 13 November 2017</ref> The mission of the Institute is to open up the Library's Special Collections to innovative and multidisciplinary research, in partnership with researchers in Manchester and across the globe. Since its inception, the Institute has gained both national and international recognition and has been involved in attracting grants to support research on the collections from funders including the Arts and Humanities Research Council, Leverhulme Trust, British Academy and Marie Curie Foundation. In addition, generous philanthropic donations from Amin Amiri, David Shreeve, The Soudavar Memorial Foundation and Mark Younger, amongst others, have helped to support a range of important projects.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our history (The University of Manchester Library)|url=https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/about/our-history/|access-date=18 May 2021|website=library.manchester.ac.uk}}</ref>

In September 2016, Hannah Barker, Professor of British History, took up the role as Director of the John Rylands Research Institute,<ref>[http://www.jrri.manchester.ac.uk/about/people/institute-staff/]"The John Rylands Research Institute"</ref> and in March 2021, the John Rylands Research Institute and The John Rylands Library forged a new partnership as the '''John Rylands Research Institute and Library'''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New partnership between the John Rylands Research Institute and The John Rylands Library|url=https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/new-partnership-between-the-john-rylands-research-institute-and-the-john-rylands-library/|access-date=18 May 2021|website=New partnership between the John Rylands Research Institute and The John Rylands Library|language=en}}</ref> 

==Governors and Trustees==
Mrs Rylands established a board of trustees to hold the library's assets and a council of governors to maintain the building and control expenditure. The council consisted of some representative and some co-optative governors while honorary governors were not members of the council.<ref>John Rylands Library (1969) ''Catalogue of an Exhibition of Manuscripts and Early Printing Originating in Germany&nbsp;... November 1969''. Manchester: John Rylands Library; list inside cover</ref><ref>Farnie, D. A. (1989). "Enriqueta Augustina Rylands, 1843–1908, Founder of the John Rylands Library". ''Bulletin of the John Rylands University Library of Manchester''; 71 (2): 3–38.</ref> Both these bodies were dissolved at the merger in 1972. Members of the council of governors included [[Arthur Peake]] and [[F. F. Bruce]] both biblical critics and [[Rylands Professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis|Rylands Professors of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis]].

==Visitors==
Many notable people including heads of state have visited the library. [[King Charles III]] and [[Queen Camilla]] (as The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall) have also visited.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/news/royaltyattherylands/ |title=Royalty at the Rylands |access-date=19 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722122222/http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/news/royaltyattherylands/ |archive-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Greater Manchester}}
*[[Grade I listed buildings in Greater Manchester]]
*[[Listed buildings in Manchester-M3]]
{{clear}}
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Bibliography==
*Archer, John H. G., ed. (1986) ''Art and Architecture in Victorian Manchester: ten illustrations of patronage and practice''. Manchester: Manchester University Press {{ISBN|0-7190-0957-X}} (includes a study of the John Rylands Library by John Madden).
*Baker, William & Womack, Kenneth, eds. (1997) ''Nineteenth-century British Book-collectors and Bibliographers''. PDictionay of Literary Biography; vol. 184.) Detroit, MI: Gale Research ISBN 9780787610739 (includes chapters on Alexander, 25th Earl of Crawford; John and Enriqueta Rylands; and George, 2nd Earl Spencer,) 
*{{Cite journal|doi=10.1093/jdh/13.3.175|last1=Bowler|first1=Catherine |last2=Brimblecombe |first2=Peter|year=2000|title=Environmental pressures on building design and Manchester's John Rylands Library|journal=Journal of Design History|publisher=The Design History Society|volume=13|issue=3|pages=175–191}}<!--|access-date=20 February 2010-->
*Farnie, D. A. (1989) "Enriqueta Augustina Rylands (1843–1908), Founder of the John Rylands Library", in: ''Bulletin of the John Rylands University Library of Manchester'' LXXI,2 (summer 1989); pp.&nbsp;3–38.
* Guppy, Henry (1924) ''The John Rylands Library (1899–1924): a record of its history with brief descriptions of the building and its contents''. Manchester: University Press.
* Guppy, Henry (1929) "How Commerce has Assisted Culture Through the John Rylands Library", in: ''The Soul of Manchester''. Manchester: U. P.; pp.&nbsp;113–123.
* Guppy, Henry (1935) ''The John Rylands Library (1899–1935): a brief record of its history with descriptions of the building and its contents''. Manchester: University Press.
*Lister, Anthony (1989) "The Althorp Library of Second Earl Spencer, now in the John Rylands University Library of Manchester: its formation and growth". In: ''Bulletin of the John Rylands University Library of Manchester''; vol. LXXI, no. 2 (summer 1989), pp.&nbsp;67–86 ([https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/api/datastream?publicationPid=uk-ac-man-scw:1m2217&datastreamId=POST-PEER-REVIEW-PUBLISHERS-DOCUMENT.PDF online version]).
*McNiven, Peter (2000) "The John Rylands Library, 1972–2000" in: ''Bulletin of the John Rylands University Library of Manchester'' LXXXII,2-3 (summer & autumn 2000); pp.&nbsp;3–79.
*McNiven, Peter (2000) "An Illustrated Catalogue of 'A Scholars' Paradise: a Centenary Exhibition of Notable Books and Manuscripts' " in: ''Bulletin of the John Rylands University Library of Manchester'' LXXXII,2-3 (summer & autumn 2000); pp.&nbsp;85–254.
*{{Cite book |first=John J. |last=Parkinson-Bailey |title=Manchester: an architectural history |publisher=Manchester University Press |place=Manchester |year=2000 |isbn=0-7190-5606-3}}
*Ratcliffe, F. W. (1980) "The John Rylands University Library", in: ''Treasures of the University of Manchester: an exhibition to celebrate the granting of the royal charter to the Victoria University in 1880; [[Whitworth Art Gallery]], 26 April -- 28 June 1980''.
*Sotheby's (1988) ''Books from the John Rylands University Library of Manchester: day of sale 14 April 1988''. London: Sotheby's (98 works were offered for sale, of which a few remained unsold; all the books were rare duplicate copies; the funds raised were used to establish the John Rylands Research Institute in 1989).
*Taylor, Frank (1989) "The John Rylands Library, 1936–72" in: ''Bulletin of the John Rylands University Library of Manchester'' LXXI,2 (summer 1989); pp.&nbsp;39–66.
*Tyson, Moses (1941) "The First Forty Years of the John Rylands Library" in: ''Bulletin of the John Rylands Library''; vol. XXV, pp.&nbsp;46–66.
*''News from the Rylands: the newsletter of the Special Collections Division of the John Rylands University Library of Manchester''. No. 1, winter 2000, etc. Replacing the ''John Rylands Research Institute Newsletter''; 1990–1999.

==External links==
{{Commons category|John Rylands Library, Deansgate}}
* [http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/ Library webpages; guide to collections; etc.]
* [http://www.johncassidy.org.uk/ John Cassidy, Manchester Sculptor; compiled by Charlie Hulme and Lis Nicolson]

{{University of Manchester}}
{{Manchester B&S}}
{{Academic libraries in the United Kingdom}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Academic libraries in England]]
[[Category:Libraries in Manchester]]
[[Category:University of Manchester]]
[[Category:Library buildings completed in 1899]]
[[Category:Buildings at the University of Manchester]]
[[Category:1899 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Grade I listed buildings in Manchester]]
[[Category:Grade I listed buildings in Greater Manchester]]
[[Category:Grade I listed library buildings]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Museums in Manchester]]
[[Category:Literary archives in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Gothic Revival architecture in Greater Manchester]]
[[Category:Special collections libraries in England]]
[[Category:John Rylands Research Institute and Library|*]]
[[Category:Papyrus collections]]