Manchester’s iconic neo-gothic library is marking the special anniversary with launch of two new galleries
The John Rylands Research Institute and Library, founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband John following his death in 1888, is probably one of the most breathtaking buildings in the city.
Established in 1900, Enriqueta spent about £1 million (the equivalent of over £100 million today) on building and curating the library as she wanted it to be a catalyst for the cultural, social and religious advancement of the city.
With its imposing, grandiose gothic architecture, meticulously carved archways and intricately detailed stained glass windows, the research institute and library situated on Deansgate is free to visit and, now, thanks to its new Collections Gallery, showcases over 40 rare and remarkable objects and literary artifacts that are incredibly difficult to find anywhere else; like a 14th-century trilingual Qur’an manuscript, Shakespeare’s first folio, and Alan Turing’s notes on programming the MARK I computer.
Amongst these highlights are an early fragment of the New Testament, a clay cylinder from King Nebuchadnezzar’s temple, and the Peterloo relief fund accounts, as well as more modern treasures like a handwritten notebook belonging to Joy Division’s manager Rob Gretton.
The new gallery is part of ‘Rylands125’; a special year-long events and exhibitions programme to celebrate the 125th anniversary of The John Rylands Library. This initiative by The University of Manchester Library delves into the library’s storied past to celebrate its vibrant present and look forward to the promising future of the institution. For the care of the collections and to showcase a wide variety of material, objects on display will change after six months.
Alongside the Collections Gallery, the library will also exhibit The Secret Public: LGBTQ Pop 1955 - 1985; a collection that examines the profound influence of LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly performers, artists and activities on mainstream pop culture. Co-curated with Professor of Popular Culture, Jon Savage and taking his book (The Secret Public - How LGBTQ Performers Shaped Popular Culture 1955 - 1979) as a starting point, the exhibition has been extended through to 1985. It foregrounds the artists, figures, social issues and political discourse from which a lasting creative legacy was produced - one that still resonates today.
This new exhibition is made up of posters, magazines, books, promotional photographs and record sleeves that trace the extraordinary contribution LGBTQ performers have made to popular culture throughout those years, enhanced by audio and video providing an evocative soundtrack to this story.
The exhibition celebrates 30 years of LGBTQ pop and its wider audience, taking a thematic and chronological journey through the materials, foregrounding the pioneering artists, musicians, actors, managers and activists who pushed both the social and creative boundaries of their time and their chosen field to agitate, provoke, protest, engage, enlighten and delight.
Jon Savage, Professor of Popular Culture, University of Manchester and writer said:
“The Secret Public: LGBTQ Pop 1955 -1985' is a thirty-year history of LGBTQ oppression and resistance, seen through the lens of popular culture. This exhibition brings the book to life through striking visuals, with materials I’ve collected over a 40-year period. I'm delighted that they are now part of the British Pop Archive.”
Professor Christopher Pressler, University Librarian and Director of The John Rylands Library said:
“The Secret Public explores LGBTQ culture and its huge capacity for both profound artistic statements and groundbreaking entertainment and will relaunch The John Rylands Library's world-class exhibition galleries following our transformative Next Chapter project. In our 125th year, we are marking not only the fact that one of the world’s greatest libraries happens to be in the centre of Manchester but that it was given to the people of the city at its opening on 1st January 1900. Manchester is a city synonymous with LGBTQ culture and we are excited to celebrate this in our anniversary year.”
Since its conception 125 years ago, The Rylands has grown into a renowned cultural and academic destination that welcomes readers, researchers and visitors from around the world. The library continues to bring in and preserve collections, especially in the creative arts and British pop culture.
The new exhibitions, which will open to the public from 15 May 2025, celebrates a key milestone in the library’s history and reveals the influence of visionary founder Enriqueta Rylands.
Library opening times:
Free entry, Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm (last entry at 4.40pm)
John Rylands Research Institute and Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH
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