Grade I-listed Manchester landmark marks 125th anniversary with new entrance, exhibition spaces and facilities for visitors and researchers
Work has finished on the £7.6 million refurbishment of the Grade I-listed John Rylands Library in Manchester, led by Donald Insall Associates with exhibition design by Nissen Richards Studio.
The scheme forms part of the University of Manchester Library’s Imagine2030 strategy and coincides with the library’s 125th anniversary. The building, designed by Basil Champneys in the 1890s, houses internationally significant collections of rare books, manuscripts and archives.
The project has introduced a series of interventions intended to improve access and facilities. These include the transformation of exhibition areas, the installation of an advanced imaging laboratory, and the creation of a flexible events and teaching space. The main entrance has also been reconfigured, replacing the former revolving door with a new solid bronze portal designed to evoke the form of book pages.
Rory Chisholm, associate architect at Donald Insall Associates, said: “Through these thoughtful interventions, we have sought to secure the building’s long-term sustainability, putting people first in the design and overcoming operational challenges in the spaces.”
Internally, the project has reorganised circulation and unveiled previously hidden architectural details. Nissen Richards Studio designed new displays and wayfinding, as well as exhibition furniture and cases.
Materials used include European oak, red sandstone from northern Cumberland and bronze elements intended to echo original metalwork by J.W. Singer & Co.
A former café has been remodelled as an events venue for lectures and conferences, and a storage area has been adapted into a fully conditioned suite for imaging the library’s special collections.
Professor Christopher Pressler, university librarian and director of the John Rylands Library, said: “For six years, the Library has been planning this major enhancement to launch in its 125th Anniversary year. The Next Chapter project has been a richly fulfilling experience for all of us and ultimately is the outcome of a shared vision and passion of great architects, designers, construction specialists and librarians.”
The John Rylands Library opened to the public in 1900 and became part of the University of Manchester in 1972.
Project team list
Client: The John Rylands Library, The University of Manchester
Architect and lead designer: Donald Insall Associates
Exhibition design: Nissen Richards Studio
Civil and structural engineer: WML Consulting
MEP engineer, fire and acoustic consultant: Hoare Lea
Project Manager: Arcadis
Accessibility Consultant: IDACS (UK) Ltd
Health and Safety Consultant: Safer Sphere
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