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Architecture: Special Collections

Cross-section of building

The Library's Special Collections provide a rich source of material relating to the History of Art and Architecture.

Our collections cover areas such as the history of architecture, architecture and urbanism and landscape architecture. This guide will identify collection strengths and help you access the most relevant material.

What are Special Collections?

picture of a Chaucer manuscript and an iPad image of the same manuscript

What are Special Collections?

The University of Manchester Library holds one of the finest collections of rare books, manuscripts, archives and visual collections in the world. These collections are mainly concentrated in the magnificent building on Deansgate, The John Rylands Research Institute and Library, in the centre of Manchester. They are also housed in the Main Library on the University campus and at the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre, in Manchester Central Library. This resource introduces the different types of materials found in Special Collections and explains how they can be used to support your studies. For general tips on accessing digital and physical collections and visiting our reading room, please look at our other blog resources.

Special Collections subject area guides

Our Special Collections are both rich and vast. The following collections are an excellent place to begin exploring what's on offer with relation to Architecture:

 

History of Art & Architecture Collections

Detail from Latin MS 164 with peacock, toad and flower decorations

 

Visual Collections

Dancing fauns and bacchants

 

Maps, Travel and Discovery Collections

Map of the world in colour

 

Local History & Genealogy 

Black and white drawing of Manchester and Salford

 

University Heritage Collections

Arduus Ad Solem wooden scroll