Special Collections F-R 

Hebrew & Oriental literature - Jubilee Library

The Mathews Collection was described at one time by a prominent member of the Jewish community as the finest collection he knew existed outside of Israel. The collection includes many early works covering Hebrew, Syriac, Arabic and other Middle Eastern languages dating from 15th Century to 1900.

Italian writers - Jubilee Library

The Clericetti Collection has editions and translations of celebrated Italian writers, including early printed works and fine bindings.

Kings Library – Royal Pavilion

This collection of over 1000 fine bindings has been selected from the main collection for display in the Royal Pavilion. They are listed in the online Catalogue of Rare Books database.

Literature, history & the arts from 17th, 18th and 19th centuries – Jubilee Library

Leonard Lionel Bloomfield acquired an outstanding collection of books and prints (prints available to view at Brighton Museum) which were donated to the library in 1917. The Bloomfield Collection totals over 13,000 items, including manuscripts, early printed works and original works. The collection includes a 14th century 'Book of Prayers and Devotions' bound in carved wood and 111 items of the personal library of Robert Browning and his wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning.  

Natural History - Jubilee Library

A growing collection since 1873 when the Royal Literary and Scientific Institution donated its library collection to Brighton and initiated the opening of Brighton’s main public library on 12 September 1873. Some of the earliest works date back to the 15th century.

Paine Collection – Jubilee Library

A member of the library's first sub-committee in 1875, Cornelius Paine donated hundreds of volumes to the library, including many local newspapers from the time.

Private Press and Rare Book Collection – Jubilee Library

This is a collection of books printed by private presses both national and local.

Railway Photographs - Brighton History Centre
A collection totalling nearly 4,000 photographs which have been donated by railway enthusiasts over the years.

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