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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Interested in learning more about the Medieval world and books like this one? Join us tomorrow, 26 September, as part of the 2026 Medieval Faire. You can find more information here: ow.ly/y4Zg50ZR5r4 📸: Psalterium Benedictinum cum canticis et hymnis, Peter Schoeffer, 1490, Ref. JRL19080004

Page of printed text. Most of the letters are printed in black, but some initial letters are red. A large letter "D" has additional decoration in grey around it. There are 3 lines of musical notation at the top of the page.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Join us next weekend on Saturday, 26 September, for activities linked to the 2026 Medieval Faire. This is a free, drop in event between 11:00am and 4:00pm. You can find more information here: ow.ly/bmHw50ZMsNx 📸: St Christopher Woodcut, 1435-1450, Ref. JRL1200357.

Saint Christopher strides across a river. He holds a staff and carries the infant Christ, who blesses with his right hand and holds an Orb in his left. Hills form steep, jutting cliffs on either side of the river. A hermit kneels on the right, holding a lantern. On the left, one man rides a mule, carrying a sac; another climbs a steep road that ascends to a small house. Text along the bottom: "Cristofori faciem quacumque tueris Illa nempe die morte mala non morieris Millesimo cccc° xx° tertio".

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

In our latest guest blog, Timothée Dereuder explores 146 letters responding to Patrick Keatley’s 1952 investigation 'The Traffic in Irish Horses', revealing debates around animal welfare, British identity and morality: ow.ly/9VR950ZMTIJ 📸H. G. B. Wilson. June 15, 1952 (GDN 223/4/162)

Typed letter from The Dewsbury Reporter discussing ethical concerns about animal slaughter, signed by H.G.B. Wilson.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Who used the library in 1900? This reader application form was submitted by Isaac Schliffer a bookbinder from Moss Side. To use the library’s collection today you can apply online and make an appointment to access the collections. Or you can browse digitised collections available online.

Handwritten application form from 1900 for permission to read at the John Rylands Library in Manchester.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

New collections incoming… We’re installing new books and manuscripts in the Collections Gallery. Look out for this small Icelandic manuscript when you visit. Galleries are free to visit. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Hands holding an open, small manuscript with handwritten text on aged pages against a dark background.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Didn't get a chance to come to our Collection Encounter on Wednesday? Our latest blog is by Ellesse Patterson, who hosted the session, exploring the connection between the Library and one of Britain’s most notorious literary forgers. Read the full blog here: ow.ly/oF5g50ZGqts

Title page of Agatha by George Eliot, printed in black ink on white paper

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Reposted by The John Rylands Library

C.D. Rose @cdrose.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Manchester! I will soon be leading a @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social Reading Round at @thejohnrylands.bsky.social looking at works related to the collection of Enriqueta Rylands. Come along, it's free! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reading-ro...

eventbrite.co.uk

Reading Round at The John Rylands Library

A time for stories, poems, and community in the historic John Rylands Library.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

During her placement with the Christian Brethren Archive, student Emma Farnworth discovered missionary letters containing eyewitness accounts of the Second Sino-Japanese War, WWII and the Chinese Civil War. Explore what these unique sources can reveal in our latest blog: ow.ly/T44x50ZCLfX

Black-and-white photograph showing five people standing on a dirt road infront of a vehicle. Two individuals wear hats and Western-style clothing, whilst three wear early 20th cenutry Chinese clothing.

JRL260501485

EOS/4/5/25/8 Jehol [Chengde] Gospel Coach with workers at Lin Hsi Hsien.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Collection Encounters are an opportunity for visitors to engage with items not normally on display. Our latest blog by Dr Josephine Tierney reflects on a conversation she had with visitors that opened the door for new research opportunities. Read the full blog here: ow.ly/Xll050ZxCMz

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

New article exploring the importance of donor relationships for modern archives using the Carcanet Press Email Archive as a case study. Explore the challenges and opportunities presented by digital archives and the potential of new systems and AI models. Open Access here: ow.ly/JcZO50ZxntZ

Black and white diagram showing correspondents in the email archive with the highest volume of correspondence
or references to them.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Our latest blog by Sergio Alonso Mislata, explores two fascinating additions to our Peterloo collections: a scrapbook containing 50 pieces of Peterloo related ephemera and a newly acquired volume of radical reform publications. Read the full blog here: ow.ly/Aaos50ZzTZ0

Black and white photograph of a memorial plaque featuring a carved oval portrait of Henry 'Orator' Hunt surrounded by floral decorations.

📸Detail of article “Peterloo recalled: a memorial to 'Orator' Hunt” (Manchester Guardian, June 30, 1908) (English MS 1197/95)

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Henry Guppy founded the Bulletin of the John Rylands Library in 1903. Its purpose was to share information about the library’s resources. The Bulletin is still published today and recent issues are available via Open Access: www.manchesterhive.com/view/journal…

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Today’s blog is the second from Molly Sutherland, a recent placement student with The Rylands Heritage Imaging Lab. Molly writes about discovering 22 glass plate negatives associated with manuscript collector and scholar James Rendel Harris. Read the full blog here: ow.ly/2QMC50ZsVZV

Black and white glass plate negative of a monastery in the desert.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

We recently hosted a placement student, Molly Sutherland, to help digitise glass plate negatives thought to be from the 1900s to the 1950s. In our latest blog, Molly explains the project. This is the first in a two-part series releasing this summer. Read the blog here: ow.ly/GKaH50ZnpU2

Two men using photographic equipment in an early photography studio at the John Rylands Library.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey opens in cinemas today! We partnered with Universal Pictures to take The Manchester Odyssey to press for the new film in London and New York. Discover The Manchester Odyssey, a 1,700-year-old manuscript of Homer's Odyssey at the Rylands' in the Collections Gallery.

Section of The Manchester Odyssey displayed between glass in the gallery at the John Rylands Library.

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Reposted by The John Rylands Library

The University of Manchester @manchester.ac.uk · 06/07/2026

Held at @thejohnrylands.bsky.social, this rare, 1,700 year old parchment manuscript holds a poem that was already centuries old when written down. Look closely and you'll spot marks left behind by ancient readers who corrected mistakes, added missed text and inserted reading notes.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

ICYMI we're delighted to have taken this amazing item from the collection to The Odyssey movie press in New York and London. Visitors to the Rylands can see it for themselves from Wednesday 15 July. stories.manchester.ac.uk/the-manchest...

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

What does the band Coldplay have to do with the Christian Brethren archive? In our latest blog, Reader Services Assistant Angela Petyt-Whittaker recounts her discoveries working with materials from two Brethren worship halls in London. Read the full blog here: ow.ly/Z4q450ZhvC4

A leaflet split into two halves. On the left is a simple map showing the new location of Parkhill Chapel with a large black arrow and a list of the weekly activity schedule. On the right are two animated chess pieces and the works “made any good moves lately? We have!”.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

'Ian Curtis: Insight' opens today at the Voltz Clarke Gallery in New York. The exhibition showcases material from the personal archive of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis and includes handwritten lyrics, personal letters and ephemera. The exhibition runs 25 June - 22 July.

View of the Ian Curtis: Insights exhibition with framed items on white walls.

White gallery wall with 4 framed photographs from the Ian Curtis: Insights exhibition.

White gallery wall with black and white photograph of Ian Curtis.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

On #WorldRefugeeDay, explore our World Refugee Year collection (1959–60): memorabilia and publications from a UN led campaign responding to growing displacement, gathered by historian Peter Gatrell during his research for Free World? The campaign to save the world’s refugees, 1956–1963.

Bronze pin featuring a raised hand symbol on a white card with a taped label beneath it. Image Reference: WRY/1/5 Commemorative badge and lapel pin for World Refugee Year

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

How do you access the collections? Readers use the Research Room for special collections appointments. Apply online to become a reader to access the collections in the reading room or browse collections online. More information here: ow.ly/ua4J50Zbaru

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

It’s Pride Month so here's our LGBTQ+ guide to special collections: ow.ly/fAXq50Zb1Nb In the guide is Edward Carpenter (1844–1929), campaigner for LGBTQ+ equality and socialist writer, was strongly influenced by the writings of Walt Whitman.

Photography of Edward Carpenter and George Merrill.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

It's Festival of Libraries this week, we’re running curator tours of the Forgotten Library exhibition. Join curator Dr Elizabeth Gow to explore the personal book collection of Enriqueta Rylands, founder of The John Rylands Library. 📅Tours at 11am and 1.30pm. No booking required, free to attend.

Exhibition poster for 'The Forgotten Library' featuring Enriqueta Rylands and her books with floral and deer illustrations.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

The Rylands is closed on Wednesday 10 June. We are open as usual on Thursday 11 June, Friday 12 June and Saturday 13 June. Visit 10am-5pm. Free entry.

Modern entrance to the John Rylands Library with large glass doors framed by a bronze-coloured metal doorway and a green tree on the left.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

What was life like at The John Rylands Library in the 1950s and 60s? In our latest blog, Dr John Hodgson shares the memories of former staff member Brenda Scragg, offering a fascinating glimpse into the library's past: ow.ly/jN4U50Z6ena

Woman (Brenda Scragg) in striped dress reading a large book at a glass-covered wooden display case inside the John Rylands Library.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

The Rylands will be closed on Wednesday 10 June. We are open as usual on Thursday 11 June, Friday 12 June and Saturday 13 June. Visit 10am-5pm. Free entry.

Intricately carved stone spiral staircase inside the Rylands, a Gothic-style building with vaulted ceilings.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Head down to The University of Manchester campus on Saturday 13 June for the Universally Manchester Festival!

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

These books are the tiniest volumes from Enriqueta Rylands' library at Longford Hall. Wonders of technology and craft, they are almost impossible to read without a magnifying glass. Visit The Forgotten Library exhibition to explore books of all sizes. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Free entry

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

We are delighted to announce the acquisition of the archive of writer and broadcaster Frank Tilsley (1904-1957) by The John Rylands Library. Read more in our latest blog by Curator Jess Smith: ow.ly/NnkL50Z4L6X 📸Tilsley book signing, WH Smith, Victoria Station, 1953

A black and white photograph of a bookstall with many editions of a book displayed under a sign which reads 'Frank Tilsley, Heaven and Herbert Common'.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Happy birthday to Enriqueta Rylands! Enriqueta Rylands founded the library in memory of her husband. She decided to establish a new library for the people of Manchester. To create the library, she spent about £1 million (over £100 million today). Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Free entry,

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Saturday 30 May celebrate our founder Enriqueta Rylands’ birthday. Visit The Forgotten Library to explore Enriqueta’s personal book collection from her Longford Hall home. 2.10-3.30pm see collections that bring you closer to Enriqueta and the story of her libraries. In the Reading Room, level 1.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

The Library has acquired an unassuming pocketbook but folded into its margin is a lock of hair. The hair is said to be from Ann 'Nancy' Bolton, a close friend of John Wesley. This keepsake joins our set of historical hair, alongside strands from Wordsworth, Whitman, and Proust. #MethodistCollections

Open pages of a pocketbook with hair folded into the margin

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

What is history for? Join talks and workshops considering the ways in which Manchester’s past has been used to create stories about what Manchester is, who Mancunians are, and what a future Manchester might look like. Saturday 6 June, 10am-4pm. Booking required: ow.ly/TmtP50Z1wzQ

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Visit the Rylands. Head to the Collections Gallery to look for this Persian manuscript that has just gone on display. Explore The Forgotten Library, to learn more about Enriqueta Rylands' personal library at Longford Hall including this jewelled book cover. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Illustration of a figure on horseback confronting a large dragon in a forested landscape with Persian text above and below.

Ornate metal book cover featuring a jeweled cross with angels and saints engraved around it.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

The Forgotten Library is now open! The exhibition explores the personal book collection of Enriqueta Rylands, founder of The John Rylands Library. Kept at her home, Longford Hall, the collection reveals her life as a passionate reader and collector. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Free entry.

Page with decorative foliage border. Blue box in centre reads The Forgotten Library Enriqueta Rylands and her books. Until Saturday 31 October.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

ICYMI last month’s Cottonopolis event is available online thanks to Creative Manchester David Olusoga OBE, Professor of Public History, was joined by Edmond Smith, Professor of Economic Cultures, and Cassandra Gooptar, University of Hull. Watch the recorded event here: ow.ly/rGnl50Z12NW

Folded checked fabrics in a small sample book.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Head down to the University of Manchester campus on 13 June for a free day of events for all ages! Featuring a brand new heritage tour on the history of women's education at Manchester. Book here: universallymanchester.com/event/ear…

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

New exhibition incoming… This week we’re installing The Forgotten Library: Enriqueta Rylands and her books. We’re carefully installing a jewelled binding and a tiny book Opening Wednesday 20 May. Free entry. Learn more about the exhibition here: ow.ly/saip50YYTBN

Hands in purple gloves adjusting a jewelled book binding that is adorned with gemstones and intricate metal work.

Hands in purple gloves carefully holding a small ornate book with intricate floral borders and miniature paintings.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

New guest posts on our Medium from American Studies students at The University of Manchester. Their work explores a series of interviews carried out by sociologist Lou Kushnick between 1981–1997 with key figures in US social justice movements. 🔍Find out more ow.ly/QfWn50YIaTe

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

How do you access special collections at the Rylands? Make an appointment to see collections in-person in the Research Room or make an appointment to view collections online. More information about accessing special collections: ow.ly/vygw50YWvZq

Person working on a laptop at a desk in the Rylands research room. Behind them are shelves filled with books.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

It’s the last day of Cottonopolis exhibition. Explore how 18th century Manchester was transformed into a manufacturing powerhouse and the centre of Britain’s booming cotton industry. The city’s explosive industrial growth depended on links to India, Africa and America. Open 10am-5pm, free entry.

Visitor looking at a textile sample book in a display case.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

In honour of #WorldRedCrossDay, explore our digital archive of the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (1919–1997) This is a key resource for researching 20th‑century humanitarian action. 🔗https://ow.ly/2z6k50YJxFR #HumanitarianArchives #DigitalArchives

Navy blue UK-Med medical protective vest with British flag patch on a mannequin torso.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

A century ago today, Britain was brought to a standstill as the General Strike began. In our latest blog, Dr Janette Martin explores its impact on Manchester, drawing on material from The Guardian Archive at the John Rylands Library to reveal how the city responded: ow.ly/GsoL50YUiVR

Black and white illustration of two men in a heated discussion over documents, featured in a 1920 Manchester Guardian news bulletin.

The Manchester Guardian News Bulletin 18 September 1920, GDN 256/1

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Workers, reformers, and labour movements shaped Manchester and their voices live in our collections. This #LabourDay explore 'Made in Manchester' and discover the objects and stories behind that legacy. 📸Detail from A View of St Peter's Place, 1819. Ref: R52983.2 🔗https://ow.ly/wy9H50YJv81

Historic engraving showing a large crowd of protesters facing armed soldiers in a town square with buildings in the background.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Scaffolding is up outside providing access for essential roof repairs. Please excuse our appearance while we undertake this vital work to the Grade I listed building. The Rylands remains open as usual for Reader Services appointments. Visit to see texhibitions. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

On Wednesday 6 May for a Collection Encounter explore broadside ballads with unique songs brought to life by balladeer Jennifer Reid. 📚See collections 3.15–4.30pm in the Reading Room on Level 2. 🎼 Performances by Jennifer Reid: 3.45 pm –4.05pm and 4.20 pm–4.40pm.

Printed ballad titled 'The Weavers' Lamentation' with beehive image at the top.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Photographs from ‘There is a Light That Never Goes Out’ are now catalogued. The exhibition explored Manchester as a city inextricably linked to its musical heritage. Read more: ow.ly/492o50YILr7 Image by Jill Furmanovsky/Rock Archive

Noel Gallagher, with arms outstretched, stood on stage facing a crowd in a stadium.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Thanks to everyone who attended this event last night. If you missed it you can still visit Prof Edmond Smith's Cottonopolis, open until Saturday 9 May.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Our Collection Care team has been conserving a 2,300 year old Book of the Dead (Hieratic P 3), which measures over 8.5m — with generous support from The Idlewild Trust. The scroll was historically split into 10 sections and stuck to glass, with misplaced fragments and cracked glazing.

Conservator lining an ancient papyrus using a paste brush.

Conservator carefully repairing an ancient papyrus on a white table in a modern lab setting.

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The John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

If you’re visiting Whitworth Art Gallery to see 'Beneath the Great Wave' keep an eye out for items from our collection in the exhibition. We love this 3D model of the map of Mount Fuji displayed alongside the original map. Explore more of our our Japanese map collection: ow.ly/m4XP50YIaEh

Large stylized ocean wave crashing with exhibition titled 'Beneath the Great Wave'.

Folded model of Mount Fuji with small human figured in the foreground.

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