The Devon and Exeter Institution
@dexinst.bsky.social
Thriving Independent Historic Library and Educational Charity, welcoming new members of all ages. Find out more at: http://linktr.ee/DExInstitution
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...
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
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...
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...
Ghosts! Spiders! Bats! Surely this is a #Halloween image?
Well, it actually comes from the Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News (1867).
During the Victorian era, spooky tales were especially associated with the festive period
Well, it actually comes from the Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News (1867).
During the Victorian era, spooky tales were especially associated with the festive period
October 31, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Ghosts! Spiders! Bats! Surely this is a #Halloween image?
Well, it actually comes from the Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News (1867).
During the Victorian era, spooky tales were especially associated with the festive period
Well, it actually comes from the Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News (1867).
During the Victorian era, spooky tales were especially associated with the festive period
How about this schoolmaster's log book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm, or email us to make a research appointment.
#primarysources #Victorianschools #Victorianchildren #archives #dissertation
See this book in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm, or email us to make a research appointment.
#primarysources #Victorianschools #Victorianchildren #archives #dissertation
October 23, 2025 at 1:09 PM
How about this schoolmaster's log book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm, or email us to make a research appointment.
#primarysources #Victorianschools #Victorianchildren #archives #dissertation
See this book in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm, or email us to make a research appointment.
#primarysources #Victorianschools #Victorianchildren #archives #dissertation
What do you call an apple that has fallen off its tree?
Well according to this 'Treatise on cyder-making' from 1755 you would call it a 'promiscuous' kind of apple!
Well according to this 'Treatise on cyder-making' from 1755 you would call it a 'promiscuous' kind of apple!
October 21, 2025 at 2:19 PM
What do you call an apple that has fallen off its tree?
Well according to this 'Treatise on cyder-making' from 1755 you would call it a 'promiscuous' kind of apple!
Well according to this 'Treatise on cyder-making' from 1755 you would call it a 'promiscuous' kind of apple!
Calling all university students!
How about this archaeological manuscript as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this archaeological manuscript as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
October 16, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Calling all university students!
How about this archaeological manuscript as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this archaeological manuscript as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
Meet the curator!
Wednesday 15th October. Drop in between 1-3pm.
Our new book display ‘Travelling through the library: Translated literature in the DEI’ has been curated by Richard Mansell, Senior Lecturer in Translation at the University of Exeter.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/meet-the-cur...
Wednesday 15th October. Drop in between 1-3pm.
Our new book display ‘Travelling through the library: Translated literature in the DEI’ has been curated by Richard Mansell, Senior Lecturer in Translation at the University of Exeter.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/meet-the-cur...
October 10, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Meet the curator!
Wednesday 15th October. Drop in between 1-3pm.
Our new book display ‘Travelling through the library: Translated literature in the DEI’ has been curated by Richard Mansell, Senior Lecturer in Translation at the University of Exeter.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/meet-the-cur...
Wednesday 15th October. Drop in between 1-3pm.
Our new book display ‘Travelling through the library: Translated literature in the DEI’ has been curated by Richard Mansell, Senior Lecturer in Translation at the University of Exeter.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/meet-the-cur...
Calling all university students!
How about this nineteenth-century dramatic photo album as #DissertationInspiration?
See this album and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this nineteenth-century dramatic photo album as #DissertationInspiration?
See this album and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
October 9, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Calling all university students!
How about this nineteenth-century dramatic photo album as #DissertationInspiration?
See this album and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this nineteenth-century dramatic photo album as #DissertationInspiration?
See this album and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
Just look at the vibrant colours of these marbled endpapers!
They can be found in our copy of ‘Cartas erudítas, y curiosas’ by Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1777).
They can be found in our copy of ‘Cartas erudítas, y curiosas’ by Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1777).
October 6, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Just look at the vibrant colours of these marbled endpapers!
They can be found in our copy of ‘Cartas erudítas, y curiosas’ by Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1777).
They can be found in our copy of ‘Cartas erudítas, y curiosas’ by Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1777).
Calling all university students!
How about this seventeenth century medical recipe book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this recipe book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this seventeenth century medical recipe book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this recipe book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
October 3, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Calling all university students!
How about this seventeenth century medical recipe book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this recipe book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this seventeenth century medical recipe book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this recipe book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
One of the voices preserved in People Talking (1975-9), a collection of working people’s memories of Exeter up to 1945. In October’s blog, Jenny Lloyd reflects on the project, which features in the Exeter events for the Festival of #DevonInThe1920s, running 9-18 October.
#exeterhistory #oralhistory
#exeterhistory #oralhistory
October 1, 2025 at 1:59 PM
One of the voices preserved in People Talking (1975-9), a collection of working people’s memories of Exeter up to 1945. In October’s blog, Jenny Lloyd reflects on the project, which features in the Exeter events for the Festival of #DevonInThe1920s, running 9-18 October.
#exeterhistory #oralhistory
#exeterhistory #oralhistory
Calling all university students!
Are you looking for some #DissertationInspiration?
Join us for a drop in session to view original primary sources, perfect to give you ideas for your historical research.
Free and open to all.
Are you looking for some #DissertationInspiration?
Join us for a drop in session to view original primary sources, perfect to give you ideas for your historical research.
Free and open to all.
September 26, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Calling all university students!
Are you looking for some #DissertationInspiration?
Join us for a drop in session to view original primary sources, perfect to give you ideas for your historical research.
Free and open to all.
Are you looking for some #DissertationInspiration?
Join us for a drop in session to view original primary sources, perfect to give you ideas for your historical research.
Free and open to all.
This morning we kicked off our Heritage Open Days with a Librarian's Tour. If you missed out, we have another Librarian's Tour on Thursday at 2pm.
Visit our website to see full listings of all the exciting events taking place this week: devonandexeterinstitution.org/heritage-ope...
Visit our website to see full listings of all the exciting events taking place this week: devonandexeterinstitution.org/heritage-ope...
September 16, 2025 at 1:25 PM
This morning we kicked off our Heritage Open Days with a Librarian's Tour. If you missed out, we have another Librarian's Tour on Thursday at 2pm.
Visit our website to see full listings of all the exciting events taking place this week: devonandexeterinstitution.org/heritage-ope...
Visit our website to see full listings of all the exciting events taking place this week: devonandexeterinstitution.org/heritage-ope...
Inspired by the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we searched our historic book collections for stories of women in sport, and that’s where we came across ‘a damsel named Margot, who resided at Paris in 1424, and played at hand-tennis with the palm, and also with the back of her hand, better than any man’.
August 31, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Inspired by the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we searched our historic book collections for stories of women in sport, and that’s where we came across ‘a damsel named Margot, who resided at Paris in 1424, and played at hand-tennis with the palm, and also with the back of her hand, better than any man’.
Our second-hand book sale is taking place this Saturday! We’ve had some amazing donations and this promises to be our biggest book sale yet.
As well as fantastic modern fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, there will be loads of books about:
- Art
- War
- Cinema
- Local history
As well as fantastic modern fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, there will be loads of books about:
- Art
- War
- Cinema
- Local history
August 27, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Our second-hand book sale is taking place this Saturday! We’ve had some amazing donations and this promises to be our biggest book sale yet.
As well as fantastic modern fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, there will be loads of books about:
- Art
- War
- Cinema
- Local history
As well as fantastic modern fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, there will be loads of books about:
- Art
- War
- Cinema
- Local history
#OnThisDay in 1521, Tenochtitlan fell and the Aztec empire ended. ‘The History of Mexico’ (1807) illustrates the Greater Temple, which was destroyed by the Spanish. Some scholars suggest 13th August 3114 BC as the start date for the Mayan Calendar – though the 11th is more widely agreed upon.
#OTD
#OTD
August 13, 2025 at 2:47 PM
#OnThisDay in 1521, Tenochtitlan fell and the Aztec empire ended. ‘The History of Mexico’ (1807) illustrates the Greater Temple, which was destroyed by the Spanish. Some scholars suggest 13th August 3114 BC as the start date for the Mayan Calendar – though the 11th is more widely agreed upon.
#OTD
#OTD
Who's this serious fellow? Well, it's the First Earl of Clarendon of course!
In July, Thomas Gray joined us from The King's School in Ottery St. Mary for work experience, and studied Clarendon's history of the English Civil War.
Read Thomas' blog here: devonandexeterinstitution.org/clarendons-a...
In July, Thomas Gray joined us from The King's School in Ottery St. Mary for work experience, and studied Clarendon's history of the English Civil War.
Read Thomas' blog here: devonandexeterinstitution.org/clarendons-a...
August 5, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Who's this serious fellow? Well, it's the First Earl of Clarendon of course!
In July, Thomas Gray joined us from The King's School in Ottery St. Mary for work experience, and studied Clarendon's history of the English Civil War.
Read Thomas' blog here: devonandexeterinstitution.org/clarendons-a...
In July, Thomas Gray joined us from The King's School in Ottery St. Mary for work experience, and studied Clarendon's history of the English Civil War.
Read Thomas' blog here: devonandexeterinstitution.org/clarendons-a...
Join us on Saturday 30th August, 11am-3pm, for a second-hand book sale, taking place in our beautiful Georgian library.
July 25, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Join us on Saturday 30th August, 11am-3pm, for a second-hand book sale, taking place in our beautiful Georgian library.
"The microscope extends the boundaries of the organs of vision, enables us to examine the structure of plants and animals; presents to the eye myriads of beings, of whose existence we had before formed no idea".
July 22, 2025 at 12:32 PM
"The microscope extends the boundaries of the organs of vision, enables us to examine the structure of plants and animals; presents to the eye myriads of beings, of whose existence we had before formed no idea".
We are accepting abstracts for our annual lecture series on subjects interacting with the theme of "A New Leaf" 🍃📚
The deadline for submissions is Monday 25th August. Please see the full call for papers on our website: devonandexeterinstitution.org/whats-on/tal...
The deadline for submissions is Monday 25th August. Please see the full call for papers on our website: devonandexeterinstitution.org/whats-on/tal...
July 11, 2025 at 1:24 PM
We are accepting abstracts for our annual lecture series on subjects interacting with the theme of "A New Leaf" 🍃📚
The deadline for submissions is Monday 25th August. Please see the full call for papers on our website: devonandexeterinstitution.org/whats-on/tal...
The deadline for submissions is Monday 25th August. Please see the full call for papers on our website: devonandexeterinstitution.org/whats-on/tal...
Earlier this week, our Director Emma attended an event at the Houses of Parliament as part of a delegation of culural ambassadors from #Exeter.
We were welcomed by Jayne Kirkham MP and Steve Race MP for the launch of the Great South West Creative Industries Report greatsouthwest.co.uk/insights/
We were welcomed by Jayne Kirkham MP and Steve Race MP for the launch of the Great South West Creative Industries Report greatsouthwest.co.uk/insights/
July 10, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Earlier this week, our Director Emma attended an event at the Houses of Parliament as part of a delegation of culural ambassadors from #Exeter.
We were welcomed by Jayne Kirkham MP and Steve Race MP for the launch of the Great South West Creative Industries Report greatsouthwest.co.uk/insights/
We were welcomed by Jayne Kirkham MP and Steve Race MP for the launch of the Great South West Creative Industries Report greatsouthwest.co.uk/insights/
We've been lucky to host two interns from the University of Exeter's Pathways to Arts, Culture and Heritage programme. As you can see, it's been a hoot!
They will be on hand tomorrow, as part of our usual Wednesday tours, to tell visitors about what they've discovered.
They will be on hand tomorrow, as part of our usual Wednesday tours, to tell visitors about what they've discovered.
July 1, 2025 at 10:57 AM
We've been lucky to host two interns from the University of Exeter's Pathways to Arts, Culture and Heritage programme. As you can see, it's been a hoot!
They will be on hand tomorrow, as part of our usual Wednesday tours, to tell visitors about what they've discovered.
They will be on hand tomorrow, as part of our usual Wednesday tours, to tell visitors about what they've discovered.
Come see our new book display! It showcases star items identified by our collections review, including this hand-coloured lithograph illustrating G. Belzoni's researches in Egypt and Nubia (1820).
Display available to view in the Outer Library until Friday 29th August. Free and open to all.
Display available to view in the Outer Library until Friday 29th August. Free and open to all.
June 25, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Come see our new book display! It showcases star items identified by our collections review, including this hand-coloured lithograph illustrating G. Belzoni's researches in Egypt and Nubia (1820).
Display available to view in the Outer Library until Friday 29th August. Free and open to all.
Display available to view in the Outer Library until Friday 29th August. Free and open to all.
Join us on Tuesday 8th July for our next Librarian’s Tour.
Visit our beautiful Georgian library and see some of our historic book collections up close. No white gloves needed!
Free and open to all. Book here: webcollect.org.uk/dei/event/li...
Visit our beautiful Georgian library and see some of our historic book collections up close. No white gloves needed!
Free and open to all. Book here: webcollect.org.uk/dei/event/li...
June 13, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Join us on Tuesday 8th July for our next Librarian’s Tour.
Visit our beautiful Georgian library and see some of our historic book collections up close. No white gloves needed!
Free and open to all. Book here: webcollect.org.uk/dei/event/li...
Visit our beautiful Georgian library and see some of our historic book collections up close. No white gloves needed!
Free and open to all. Book here: webcollect.org.uk/dei/event/li...
It’s #ArtWeekExeter and we’re hosting two colourful exhibitions which are free and open to all. Crab and Bee’s ‘Matter of Britain’ and Jeremy Speck and Davina Quinlivan ‘The First Word is Hope’
June 11, 2025 at 8:48 AM
It’s #ArtWeekExeter and we’re hosting two colourful exhibitions which are free and open to all. Crab and Bee’s ‘Matter of Britain’ and Jeremy Speck and Davina Quinlivan ‘The First Word is Hope’
Our Book of the Month blog for June was written and researched by our wonderful library volunteer Edward, who has looked into the life of Exeter-born mathematician William Kingdon Clifford.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/clever-cliff...
devonandexeterinstitution.org/clever-cliff...
June 10, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Our Book of the Month blog for June was written and researched by our wonderful library volunteer Edward, who has looked into the life of Exeter-born mathematician William Kingdon Clifford.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/clever-cliff...
devonandexeterinstitution.org/clever-cliff...