John Ryland Library
A new page in library’s history
Work is well underway on a state of the art new visitor centre at Manchester’s internationally significant John Rylands Library.
The iconic building on Deansgate is home to a world-renowned rare academic collection, and has been closed while specialist renovation work and the visitor centre are completed.
The library was commissioned by the widow of a wealthy Manchester cotton manufacturer, John Rylands, who died in 1881 leaving a fortune of some £2.5 million. Mrs Enriqueta Rylands employed the architect Basil Champneys to design the neo-gothic building, which took ten years to complete, finally opening in 1900.
The grade 1 listed building was in urgent need of refurbishment and additional work to make the library more accessible. The modern glass visitor centre is being added to the side of John Rylands, improving disabled access to the reading room.
The work is being supported by ERDF Priority 3 funds through the Irwell Corridor Economic Development Zone (EDZ); a unique partnership between the cities of Salford and Manchester, with Manchester Enterprises as the accountable body.
Councillor John Merry, leader of Salford City Council, said that the John Rylands refurbishment was part of wide-ranging aims for the EDZ.
He added: “Our vision for the Irwell Corridor is to work in partnership to develop and extend the regional centre so that it can compete as a premier European city.”
Just over £3 million ERDF has been allocated to unlock the potential of the heritage and visitor attraction, which Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, believes is vital to the city and the region.
He said: “The John Rylands Library is a marvellous asset but has been long been something of a hidden gem. This project will help it take its rightful place as a world-class cultural attraction, enabling visitors to access its spectacular collection of books and manuscripts in remarkable surroundings.”
Manchester University’s Dr Stella Butler, Head of Special Collections at the library, is co-ordinating the mammoth task of restoring John Rylands to its former glory.
“The University regard John Rylands Library as an invaluable research facility, attracting students from across the globe, and as a major cultural attraction for Manchester and the North West region.
“The University appreciate the support of the European Union without which the new visitor centre and refurbishment would not be possible.”
The refurbishment work is being carefully monitored to ensure that the methods used and the end results do not compromise the integrity of the building. Experts are using specialist cleaning and renovation techniques to make sure that the John Rylands is restored to Champneys’ original vision for the library.
Manchester Enterprise’s Programme Manager, Christine Westcott, explained how complicated the project is because of the significance of the library, and its importance to so many organisations and people.
She added: “The sheer scale and complexity of the works are quite staggering! New build, refurbishment and conservation concurrently being undertaken within a major development zone in the heart of a vibrant City!
“It has been vital to build and maintain good working relationships with all concerned and to be pro-active and supportive in resolving issues as they arise.”
What is ERDF?
