Mirror of The World: Books and Ideas

Discover stunning artwork alongside powerful words in this visual feast for book-lovers. Recent acquisitions and new stories are featured each year in this special exhibition, revealing different aspects of the Library’s Rare Books collection, and showcasing rare and significant works that trace the history of book design from medieval manuscripts to comics. The exhibition features 281 new items on display, dating from 2050 BC to the present day. Highlights include: Prince Rupert and his pet poodle, Boy. - This selection from the Emmerson collection focuses on the dashing Prince Rupert of Bohemia (Charles I’s nephew) and his pet poodle, Boy. Japanese kimono designs. - This display explores the art and culture of Japanese fashion through 19th-century woodblock-printed Japanese books from our collection, with a special focus on textile and kimono pattern books. 'Discovering' Egypt. - This display focuses on the 'discovery' of Egypt by Western Europeans in the 19th century and includes many never-before-exhibited items from our collection. Daily tours run from 11:30am to 12:30pm except public holidays. Bookings not required.