Visit our exhibitions

The Material Culture of Books

Exhibition Zone, Ground Floor, until 15 March 2026

We all know what a book is, but have you ever considered how it’s made or what it’s made from? There is so much more that we can learn from books; beyond the words they contain.  

This exhibition explores the materiality of manuscripts and rare books, with highlights from the University’s Archives & Special Collections, including a 12th century manuscript.  

The exhibition offers viewers an alternative perspective on the book, exploring news ways that we can glean information beyond its text and images. Curated by two students from the MA in Art Museum and Gallery Studies, the exhibition invites you to see books in a new light.  

Villiers Revealed

Archives & Special Collections, Basement, Until 10 April

Created by Culture Leicestershire, Villiers Revealed is an virtual exhibition that invites you to look again at museum objects and artworks. Consider the stories they hold and notice what has been missed, hidden, or seldom spoken about. 

This exhibition brings queer stories into view, showing how LGBTQIA+ lives are woven throughout the past. 

Alongside the virtual exhibition is a display of printed portraits highlighting hidden histories from the Library's own collections, 

Finding us

The Material Culture of books is located on the ground floor of the David Wilson Library, the exhibition is open every day between 9.30am and 4.30pm (excluding public holidays and University closure days).

Villiers revealed is on show in the Library Basement, outside of the Archives & Special Collections reading room and is accessible throughout the Library's opening hours. 

Entry to the Library is free but security controlled. Ask for admission to the Special Collections exhibition at reception.

For more information email specialcollections@le.ac.uk or call +44 (0)116 252 2056.