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Architecture and building history

The Brotherton Library, one of the finest library spaces in the country, takes its name from the benefactor to whom it owes its existence.

Lord Brotherton (1856-1930), a hugely successful local industrialist and equally far-seeing philanthropist, was also one of the country's leading private collectors of rare books and manuscripts in the 1920s. It was therefore natural that the University asked him to help finance its first purpose-built library. He responded with magnificent generosity, funding the entire enterprise. Sadly, he did not live to see the Brotherton Library's opening in 1936 and the realisation of his international aspirations for the University.

The architects of the Brotherton Library were Lanchester, Lucas and Lodge, who submitted the winning designs for a new campus as part of the University's Architectural Prize Scheme of 1927. The architects already had distinguished careers in both public and private buildings, from the UK to India. Although Lucas left the partnership in 1930, the firm worked with the University into the 1950s, giving it a striking classical face of Portland stone. The Brotherton Library, constructed between 1930 and 1936, was the centrepiece of this new, imposing campus.

Brotherton Library Special Collection

In fact the first recorded mention of Gypsies was in 1572 and the Romany Collection in the Brotherton Library, Leeds University has books and images that go back hundreds of years.

The Brotherton Collection includes the Romany Collection, which was developed by Lord Brotherton's niece-in-law Dorothy Una Ratcliffe (Mrs McGrigor Phillips) and is one of the two principal collections on Gypsies in the United Kingdom. The Library has some of the UK's outstanding collections of rare books and manuscripts. Our Special Collections are distinctive because they are not confined to a particular time or subject. The selection presented here is merely a snapshot of what are extensive collections, definable as treasures due to their value, rarity or distinctiveness.

War propaganda posters

A selection of propaganda posters from the First World War, part of the Liddle Collection.

Women of Britain say 'Go' The Empire needs men Join the RAMC Take up the sword of justice More...

Poetry and Audience

Exploring the evolving design of the pioneering Poetry and Audience magazine.

First issue; Volume 1 Issue 1 - 1953 Volume 11 Issue 8 - 1963 Volume 20 Issue 2 - 1972 The Grass's Time - 1970 More...

Services

eBook & eMagazine Services

The Brotherton Library offers the following audiobook, e-book, and eMagazine services: OverDrive eBooks & eAudiobooks Zinio eMagazines OneClick Digital eAudiobooks Safari Tech & Business Books Online TumbleBook Library Ebsco eBooks

Technology

The Brotherton Library technology services include public access computers and free wireless internet access in all branches. The Library also provides access to its collections online, including books, music and movies, research databases, journals, magazines, online educational and literacy support resources and ongoing digitization of specialized collections. The Brotherton Library website allows users to reserve books, DVDs and CDs and have them transferred to the user's preferred branch.

Locations and sites

The Brotherton Library (located in the Parkinson Building) contains the main collections for the arts, social sciences and law. Special Collections, including some of the UK's outstanding rare books and manuscripts, is also within the Library.

Brotherton Library floorplans

The Brotherton Library is behind the Parkinson Building (recognised by the white tower, at the main entrance to the University). Wheelchair access is via the School of Chemistry, and an internal stairlift.

Reference