Displays, Exhibitions and Residencies
Find out what’s on in our vibrant new programme of displays, exhibitions and residencies.

Book display – poisonous books
In the mid-nineteenth century, emerald green was the height of fashion. Wallpapers, clothing, children's toys, a number of books in our library appeared in this vibrant colour. But the pigment used contained a dark secret . . . visit our book display to find out more.
Meet the curator – Wednesday 8th July, 1-3pm
In a special edition of our regular Wednesday tours, Deborah Ashfield, AHRC-SWWDTP PhD Researcher in Environmental Humanities at the University of Exeter, will be on hand to discuss the display […]
Book display – The Weather Keepers: 158 Years of Meteorological Observation at the DEI
Did you know that weather recordings were made here at the Devon and Exeter Institution for 158 years? Our book display for July and August explores these incredible records.
South West Shakespeare Festival
Illustrating Shakespeare We are delighted to be taking part in the South West Shakespeare Festival! Drop in to see beautiful Victorian illustrations of the Bard’s works in our pop-up display […]
*EXTENDED* Exhibition – The Isca Photographic Collection: Exeter Through the Lens
Step into Exeter’s past through the eyes of its photographers. This exhibition showcases the city’s changing streetscapes, its people, and pivotal moments in history.
Book display – A woman’s nature
To mark Women's History Month, our book display for March highlights the work of women in the field of natural history.
Book display – Travelling through the library: Translated literature in the DEI
To celebrate the relationship between Barcelona and Exeter UNESCO Cities of Literature, this display will explore and reveal the work of literary translators through the holdings of the Institution, celebrating their contribution to culture and their role in literary exchange.
Book display – Threads through time
This book display explores how clothing has always offered a way for us to symbolise who we are.
Book display – Illustrating a Victorian Christmas
Tuesday 25th November - Thursday 18th December
In December 1848, the Illustrated London News published a picture of the British royal family, gathered around an intricately decorated Christmas tree. This iconic image caught the imagination of the reading public, and set the tone for what a Victorian Christmas should look like. This display showcases the festive wood engravings that graced the pages of the periodical, the most successful illustrated newspapers of its day.
New table-top book display – Green Shoots: horticultural treasures from our natural history collection, unearthed by our gardeners
Visit our the Outer Library between 1 May and 7 June to see beautiful books about botany and gardening, chosen for display by our Green Shoots gardening group. Free and […]
