Visiting & using our collections

The Library remains closed to all visitors until September 2020. In line with the Government’s social distancing requirements, we are working on implementing a phased re-opening of the Library with limited hours. Further details about re-opening will be publicised nearer the time. We are able to provide a weekly postal loans and photocopying service to Fellows, and staff continue to respond to enquiries sent to [email protected]. All current loans have been renewed until the Library re-opens. Please do not post any book returns whilst the Library is closed.

We can still issue licences for the use of existing images, but we cannot commission new photography. Information about image requests and licencing can be found here   

How you can visit

We are always delighted to welcome new researchers to the Library & Museum to consult materials that are not available elsewhere, and to help them navigate our archives and collections.

Death & the Antiquaries by Rowlandson c.1795

We do ask that you contact us to make an appointment in advance, as we cannot guarantee that research visits at short notice or without an appointment can be accommodated.

Please tell us about your research, what you wish to see and when you would like to visit. You can search the majority of our collections online, using our catalogues.

For further information, please see our Guidelines for researchers [PDF].

When you can visit

Our Library is open Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.

Our Museum Room is open Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm (closed 1pm – 2pm).

How we can help

Engraving by Samuel Lysons and Robert Smirke 1797 of The Orpheus Mosaic at Woodchester

You can contact the Museum ([email protected]) for enquiries about:

• Museum objects
• Paintings

You can contact the Library ([email protected]) for enquiries about:

• Printed materials
• Archives
• Manuscripts
• Prints and drawings

You can request photocopies (subject to the physical condition of the book or journal and to copyright law) directly from the Library catalogue:

• 1. Search the Library catalogue
  2. Click on Photocopy request
  3. Fill the form and place your request online

Non Fellows can only email the Library ([email protected]) to request photocopies.

Please see Photocopy Information Form  [.doc] for guidance and charges.

You can usually take photographs during your visit (without flash) for private study or reference purposes only, but please ask permission first! The Society can provide high-quality photographs for publication purposes for a fee. You can find more information about requesting images here.