Displays, Exhibitions and Residencies
Find out what’s on in our vibrant new programme of displays, exhibitions and residencies.
New table top display: ‘In the roar of the sea’
Take a trip to the Outer Library to enjoy some seaside delights from our special collections.
A Touch of Ireland— A Book Display for St Patrick’s Day
For St. Patrick’s Day this year we decided to draw on some items in the collection which relate to Ireland in some way. Some texts were written by Irish […]
Announcing the Devon and Exeter Institution and Quay Words shared writer-in-residence in March and April 2023 – Davina Quinlivan
The Devon and Exeter Institution and Quay Words are pleased to announce Davina Quinlivan as our shared writer-in-residence in March and April, focusing on the theme of Threads. Davina will […]
New table-top display: ‘The other side of the story’
This new display highlights challenges to the colonial perspectives encountered in our Voyages and Travel book collection, both historical and modern, to give an idea of ‘the other side of the story’.
Heritage Open Days 2022 Celebrates ‘Astounding Inventions!’ (9th – 18th September)
From joining junior members to make your own astounding inventions, to discovering more about our delightful heritage haven and living library in the heart of the city, or viewing new works by Ingrid Pollard, artist, research partner and Turner prize nominee, we hope we can inspire you to take part in England's largest celebration of history and culture with us this year!
Motherhood In Devon – Exhibition from 14th June – 5th August 2022
Motherhood in Devon is an exhibition which throws light on mothers' lives and experiences of motherhood, both historic and contemporary.
Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’
On Saturday 14 May 2022, Exeter Pride takes to the streets to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning communities, in this 50th anniversary year of the UK’s first Pride […]
Well-met by moonlight: Illuminating the astronomical treasures of the DEI collection
In the Age of Enlightenment, in which our own Institution was founded, various individuals turned to the skies. As a professional science, Astronomy was still relatively young in the early […]
Out of the woods
Though we are not quite out of the woods yet, we are delighted to welcome back our members and volunteers - and to meet new members. Our summer display in the Outer Library is a selection of poetry inspired by trees and spanning four centuries, from Robert Herrick’s ode to the willow to A. E. Housman’s celebration of the blossoming cherry – the loveliest of trees. Our display is organised in collaboration with Exeter Cathedral Library and Archives to celebrate Love Your Burial Ground Week, 5-13 June 2021.
Dr. Ingrid Pollard – Residency and Research Partner 2021-22
Display 6th August 2022 - 29th October 2022