John Rylands Library

After a fun but rainy half term break I thought I'd share a little creative inspo from this month's visit to the wonderful John Rylands Library. The Manchester Library was recently rated one of the most beautiful in Europe on google reviews and the only UK library to make the list. It houses a rare collection of works featuring the oldest known piece of the new testament. I was especially interested in the exhibition pieces with unique fonts & illustrations. I also loved the intriguing old printing presses on show which give a real connection with the history of print - I'd personally like to see more of this.
The architecture is most definitely the showstopper. The building is mostly made from one material, shawk sandstone, and is so effective. Even the lighting is one of a kind and made to resemble the cotton plant of Manchester's heritage. It has an unusual blue purple glow and gives quite a magical look - little wonder the building is often compared to Hogwarts.
So lovely to have the opportunity to spend some time appreciating printed works and such a beautiful space. I'll certainly be popping back to the gift shop too!

THE JOHN RYLANDS LIBRARY | EMILY HAUCK KARIKA NOVA

above clockwise from the top left: one of the impressive antique printing presses on show, the iconic 'bottle' glass windows, john ryland himself, a snap of the spectactular ceiling, one of the beautiful reading areas - looks straight out of hogwarts, looking up the amazing stone staircase.

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