Books and Benefactors: A Celebration

Join us to celebrate the University of Leeds’ acquisition of a beautiful and eclectic group of rare books and manuscripts via the UK’s Acceptance in Lieu programme.

Momentous historical events, dubious legends, and the real-life characters who shaped our world today… These are some of the rich variety of stories told in ‘Books and Benefactors’. 

The precious objects on show span a millennium and range from a Byzantine gospel book, through breathtaking illuminated manuscripts and a rare text printed by Caxton, to a meticulously scribed early-20th century volume of decadent poetry. They carry the imprints and additions of the people who owned and used them down the centuries, and they also tell us something about the wealthy industrialist who brought them together.   

Sir Thomas Edward Watson was a contemporary of Edward Allen Brotherton, whose generous donation and bequest established the Library and Collection bearing his name at the University of Leeds. Watson made his fortune in shipping and coal in South Wales, became a High Sheriff of Monmouthshire and the 1st Baronet of Newport, bred pedigree shorthorn cattle – and also found time to amass an impressive library.

In the Treasures Gallery’s first substantial display of the Library’s holdings of medieval manuscripts, seven items from Watson’s collection are shown alongside outstanding examples from the Brotherton Collection.