University of Exeter Special Collections
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exeterunispeccoll.bsky.social
University of Exeter Special Collections
@exeterunispeccoll.bsky.social
Join us in exploring the University of Exeter Library's Special Collections, which include archives, manuscripts, rare books and maps. There's something for everyone, and everyone is welcome.

Find out more! ➡️ libguides.exeter.ac.uk/archives
Pinned
The collections are available for everyone to access for research or enjoyment in our Reading Room!

When visiting us, please:
🗓️ Book in advance
🧼 Wash your hands with soap and water
✏️ Bring a pencil or electronic device (no pens!)

Book your visit here ⬇️
LibGuides: Visiting Heritage Collections: Reading Room booking form
LibGuides: Visiting Heritage Collections: Reading Room booking form
libguides.exeter.ac.uk
Good morning to everyone, but especially to all the anteaters, for today is their special day!

To celebrate World Anteater Day, here is an engraving from the book 'The Illustrated Natural History' by J. G. Wood, published in 1863.

📷 Reserve 590.2/WOO

#WorldAnteaterDay #AnteaterDay #RareBooks
November 19, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
If you missed out on the UK snow this morning feel free to make your own, courtesy of this 18th century recipe from the archive of the Earls of Halifax. All you'll need is a quart of cream, 6 egg whites, rose water & sugar, and the crucial 'Cloven stick' or 'bunch of twiggs' for the beating.
November 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
Our A to Z of Cornish gardens and gardening continues and for H we wanted to share one of Cornwall’s most magical of gardens – the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan were once part of a thriving Cornish estate owned by the Tremayne family of St Ewe.
November 18, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
Our latest blog is from #artist Juliette Losq, who visited the #museum on a stipend from The Stephen Herbert Award. Juliette explored our #peepshow collection - you can find out more about her fascinating artwork on her website here: www.losq.co.uk & read the full blog here: tinyurl.com/4zdaxz6c
November 17, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend, but especially to all the peafowl, as tomorrow is their special day! 🦚

To celebrate World Peacock Day, here is an illustration of a peacock from the book 'Animated Nature' (1828) by Georges-Louis Leclerc.

📷 Reserve 590 BUF

#WorldPeacockDay #RareBooks
November 14, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
Volunteering is a great way to get involved with Exeter’s world class museum – you can share your knowledge, learn new skills and meet new people. 🏛️

You must be at least 18 years of age to volunteer at RAMM. Find out more about our current opportunities at rammuseum.org.uk/get-involved...
Volunteering - RAMM
Volunteering is a great way to get involved at Exeter's world-class museum. Volunteer now with over 200 others!
rammuseum.org.uk
November 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Kindness comes in many forms. It may just be sharing your fruit with a good friend (which we would like to think is what's happening in this illustration!).

📷 Illustration of a malbrouk and a mandril from 'Animated Nature' (1828); Reserve 590 BUF

#WorldKindnessDay #KindnessDay #RareBooks
November 13, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
Join guest curator Heather Marks for a talk and guided tour of her exhibition, Fugitives in the Archives.

Discover the stories behind the collection as Heather shares insights into the research and themes that shaped this fascinating display.

bristol.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=252...
Fugitives in the Archives : Curator's Tour
Join guest curator Heather Marks for a talk and guided tour of her exhibition, Fugitives in the Archives. Discover the stories behind the collection as Heather shares insights into the research and th...
bristol.events.mylibrary.digital
November 12, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
Exeter is a UNESCO #CityOfLiterature!

Whilst we’re Exeter in name, the benefits of this unique designation spread across Devon!

We’ve rounded up some of the county’s brilliantly bookish projects from local creatives and organisations 📚

www.exetercityofliterature.com/devon-litera...
November 12, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
Happy #WorldKindnessDay! What can we learn about kindness from Winnie-the-Pooh and friends?

Line illustrations copyright ©The Trustees of The Shepard Trust
Colouring of the illustrations copyright ©1970 and 1973 The Trustees of The Shepard Trust and HarperCollinsPublishers Limited
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November 13, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
Don't forget that our kids' #creativeworkshop - 'From #Script to #Screen' - is coming up this Saturday 15th November with @womensscreenwork.bsky.social!

Perfect for kids aged 9-12 who are curious about what happens behind the scenes of a #film🧜‍♀️

It's free - link to book here: tinyurl.com/mw9em9tu
November 12, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
We did not know! We don't have any real life axolotls in the library but we have the next best thing:

📖The Cambridge Natural History. Volume 8. Amphibia and Reptiles by Harmer, S.F and Shipley, A.E. 1901
😎
November 12, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
We're looking for the next Youth Panel cohort! RAMM’s Youth Panel is a group of young people aged 18-25 with a passion for museums.

➪ The Youth Panel meet 4 times a year
➪ Their work informs RAMM's future plans
➪ Members are paid £25 per workshop
➪ Find out more and apply at rammuseum.org.uk/jobs/
Meet the RAMM Youth Panel - RAMM
RAMM’s Youth Panel is a group of young people with a passion for museums. Get to know them and the work they do.
ramm.uk
November 11, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
This November and December, our project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, ‘Page of Plymouth', offers some unique, free, hands-on workshops, delving into the archives at @theboxplymouth.bsky.social for a glimpse of 16th Century life.
November 11, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
Marking #RemembranceDay by sharing a #camera signed by J.B McDowell, the #frontline #cameraman who shot scenes for 'The Battle of the Somme' in 1916 – the first full-length war documentary and the most widely seen film in Britain up to that date. #lestweforget #ww1 #Historysky #filmsky #museumsky
November 11, 2025 at 9:29 AM
📣 There's one day left to apply!

We are looking for a permanent full-time archivist to join our friendly team!

Closing date: 11 November 2025

For full details and to apply ➡️ jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecr...

#ArchiveJobs #LibraryJobs #Heritage #ExeterJobs #Exeter #Archives #RareBooks
November 10, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
How have trees been managed on the Cathedral’s estates across the centuries? Come and explore this question with our Library & Archives team during their upcoming In Focus event celebrating all things trees.

🌳 27 Nov
🌳 11am-1pm
🌳 Cathedral Library
🌳 Free drop-in session; no booking required
November 7, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
These are the words of Mary Somerville, writing in her old age.

This pioneering scientist of the nineteenth century is the subject of our Book of the Month blog for November - written and researched by our Library Volunteer Edward Maunder.

devonandexeterinstitution.org/mary-somervi...
November 6, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
This seemed like a very appropriate image for today! 💨🌧️
Gurnard's Head No. 2, 1947, by Wilhelmina Barns-Graham. Purchased with funding from @artfund.bsky.social & the Friends of Penlee House.

Gurnard's Head is an outcrop of rock near Zennor, and also the name of a pub popular with artists.
November 7, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
‪Events next week include:

Criticality in Academic Writing
Introduction to EndNote
Understanding/using feedback
Business School Library Research Drop-ins
GenAI under the microscope
AI & Ethics
Statistical Analysis
Skills Drop-Ins & Library Research Cafés

See more & book: bit.ly/ExeterUniLibEvent
November 7, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
One of our favourite student seminars of the year, looking at Venetian Sessa imprints with cats!
November 6, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
📣 There are just a few days left to apply!

We are looking for a permanent full-time archivist to join our friendly team!

Closing date: 11 November 2025

For full details and to apply ➡️ jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecr...

#ArchiveJobs #LibraryJobs #Heritage #ExeterJobs #Exeter #Archives #RareBooks
November 5, 2025 at 1:40 PM
On #WorldDigitalPreservationDay, this photo from our #UniOfExeterArchive is a reminder that technology is constantly evolving, & when it becomes obsolete, information may be lost. Digital preservation is vital to enable access to digital records, now & in the future.

#WDPD2025 #ThrowbackThursday
November 6, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
#Movember is #MensMentalHealthAwareness month.

Why not take a look at the Men's Health resources in our Wellbeing collection? Find out more here: bit.ly/ExeterUniLibWellbeingPage

Don't forget, our Wellbeing resources are available every month of the year! 〰️
November 5, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Reposted by University of Exeter Special Collections
In 19th C Exeter, Guy Fawkes Day was a major occasion. The festivities centred on a huge bonfire in front of the Cathedral 🔥

During this fiery festival it was traditional to allow the youth special freedom to celebrate. Fireworks, burning tar barrels & injuries were a feature of this riotous night.
November 5, 2025 at 2:56 PM