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Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery

The Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery is a public exhibition housed by the University of Leeds, rooted in Yorkshire and open to the world.

Admission to the Gallery is free to all.

Part of Leeds University Library Galleries, the gallery permanently displays treasures from the library's Special Collections. The display includes original material written by the Brontës, stunning illuminated medieval manuscripts and rare books from across the globe.

The gallery also offers original changing exhibitions, exploring a subject in depth. These exhibitions weave and reveal the stories held in the items and objects held in Special Collections.

The gallery has a lively programme of public events, including talks, hands-on activities, and craft workshops.

Explore the history of writing from hand to print. Follow the journey from an ancient Babylonian clay tablet to the unique beauty of modern artists' books.

Gain insight into the imagination and creativity of acclaimed authors and poets. See handwritten materials by the Brontës, Elizabeth Gaskell and Evelyn Waugh, alongside manuscripts by the finest contemporary writers.

Join explorers and pioneers in political, medical and social history through their notebooks, pamphlets and posters.

There are also treasured items from each of the five collections designated by the Arts Council as nationally or internationally important:

  • English Literature Collection
  • Cookery Collection
  • Romany Collection
  • Leeds Russian Archive
  • Liddle Collection.

Take a look inside

Peek inside the gallery with our 360 degree virtual tour.