Our collection

Here are just a few of the heritage items in our collection that, through your generous support, the Library is able to protect for the future.

Please click on an item to enlarge and start a slideshow.

Sir John Narbrough's Journal - Map  macclesfield-3

Alfred and Irma Prunesquallor from Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast    A page from Harold Pinter's The Homecoming

Beowulf    Sherborne Missal

Bede    Thomas Hardy - Tess of the D'Urbevilles

We value your support to help us acquire and conserve such amazing items, and make them available for everyone through our learning programmes, exhibitions and online research initiatives.

Stephen Niechcial main photo

My mother- in -law was a very talented artist and book binder. She rebound many books, and supporting the conservation of beautiful books is a very fitting way to celebrate her life

Stephen Niechcial
Tara Larkin main photo

The British Library is one of the most beautiful and inspiring places in England. Sadly, I'm leaving the UK to return home to Australia and wanted to make a contribution that would ensure others can feel inspired to open the pages of a book and enter a new world of knowledge.

Tara Larkin