One of the highlights of our trip to Manchester a couple of weekends ago was a visit to the John Rylands Library. How on earth I lived in Manchester for almost a year and never went there is beyond me. How my dad, who lives in the city, had never forcibly escorted me to the place, is even more beyond me. Suffice it to say, we loved the place.
Imagine the most beautiful gothic cathedral, and then imagine that instead of existing to worship a god that I don't believe in, it's purpose is the worship of books. That's basically the John Rylands Library. Sadly, my point-and-shoot camera was not really up to the job of fully capturing the beauty and majesty of this place; you'll just have to go and see it for yourself!
Amongst the sculptures made from book pages, old printing presses (and, of course, shelf after shelf of books), there are also temporary exhibitions. My dissertation topic was the linguistic patterns of gay male speech, so I was fascinated to see the current exhibition on Polari. Morrissey album covers, a Polari Bible, queer fanzines from the 70s, and much else were scattered around the various rooms of the library.
Argh I love the John Rylands library! I waited ever so patiently ALL THROUGH uni for this to be ready and renovated and it was finished after I'd left. I came barrelling back like a lunatic once I realised that it was ready. It's just so unbelievably beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe how amazing it was. Sounds totally bonkers, but I genuinely almost cried. Manchester Uni has now shot to the top of my list for MA study.
DeleteMy dad managed preservation and photography there until he retired. He worked at the libraries all his working life. If you want moree info, guided tour get I touch. I spent many wonderful hours in childhood in the bindery at the university library and as an adult visited him and been amazed at the preservation work undertaken by John rylands. You would be really impressed Janet if you knew what historic books have visited our house over the years !
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible job, and what an amazing experience to be able to visit him 'behind the scenes'!
DeleteTried to leave a comment on my phone but not sure it worked! I also love this place, Tom's sister took us there once when there was a Clockwork Orange exhibition on. It's an amazing building.
ReplyDeleteOoh, this sounds like somewhere I'd love to visit :)
ReplyDeleteRight, I really have to go! I managed nearly a decade in the city and not going; that's a disgrace. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteJen | gingerellaj.blogspot.co.uk