- Wikidata identifier:
- Q2901355
- Also known as:
- Chetham's Hospital and Library
- Instance of:
- reference library; academic archive; independent museum
- Museum/collection status:
- Accredited museum
- Accreditation number:
- 193
- Persistent shareable link for this record:
- https://museumdata.uk/museums/q2901355/
Collection-level records:
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Collection history (Collection development policy)
The Library was founded in 1653 under the terms of the will of Humphrey Chetham (1580-1653). In 1654 accommodation was provided to house the Hospital and Library with the purchase of the former College House of Manchester. Since 1655, following the conversion and restoration of the building, the combined institution of the Hospital and Library has collected material in the form of printed books, manuscripts, archives, works of art and artefacts on a wide range of subjects.
Until 1852 no limitations or restrictions were placed on acquisitions. Any item could be purchased or accepted as a gift or loan if it were felt by the governing body (the Feoffees) that the item was of interest and value to the users of and visitors to the Hospital and Library.
In 1852, following the creation of the rate supported public libraries, the Feoffees restricted the subject and geographical coverage of the collections to the history and topography of England in order to avoid the duplication of resources. In 1955 this was further restricted to material relating to the history and topography of the North West of England, a policy which continues to this day.
Source: Collection development policy
Date: 2021
Licence: CC BY-NC
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Collection overview (Collection development policy)
The collections consist of furniture, artefacts, printed books, manuscripts, archives, ephemera, newspapers, newspaper cuttings, photographs, prints, maps, drawings, and paintings, which have been accumulated by purchase, gift, or deposit since 1655. The collections rank among the most important bibliographical and research resources in the country and are a vital part of the national heritage. This has been recognised by the ACE Designation scheme and the whole of the collections, including buildings, fixtures, furnishings and fittings, are Designated as being of national and international importance.
Chetham’s Hospital and Library has collected furniture, paintings and museum items since its inception. The accessioned collection consists of over 400 objects. A number of items, including a large gate-leg table, side tables, and a set of twenty-four Cromwellian chairs, were specially commissioned by the first governors. Other items, such as reading room tables, and a set of carved oak stools, were purpose built for the foundation in the 1650s and 1660s. The collection of paintings includes the only contemporary portrait of the founder, Humphrey Chetham, and a number of oil portraits of librarians and other persons associated with the foundation. The collection is of considerable significance: it has preserved and made available an important group of sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth century objects which are not duplicated elsewhere.
Source: Collection development policy
Date: 2021
Licence: CC BY-NC