Oxford Union Old Library: Stunning victorian architecture

Built in 1857, the Oxford Union Old Library is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world and a striking example of Victorian architecture.

Located in the centre of Oxford, the Oxford Union Society Library is part of the Grade II* listed Oxford Union Society complex.

The library was originally the Society’s debating chamber.

The murals adorning its walls were painted by William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and retain the stunning vibrancy typical of Pre-Raphaelite art.

The process of painting the murals was notoriously chaotic.

Ruskin said that the artists were "all the least bit crazy and it's very difficult to manage them.”

As the murals were painted directly onto the wall without plaster or adequate underpainting they began to suffer decay very quickly.

William Morris later completely repainted his design for the ceiling.

The Oxford Union Society Library has a collection of around 46,000 volumes primarily dating from the 19th century onwards.

The scope of the collections roughly mirrors the subjects covered by the University of Oxford, although more generalist areas are also collected.

There is a particularly good range of fiction and poetry, for example.

The majority of books can be borrowed by members and the collection is updated regularly.

What the library holds is entirely based upon its members’ desires.

Anyone can suggest a book for the library to acquire, and every week, the library committee decides whether or not to allow the book to be purchased.

Visitors are welcome to visit the Old Library and view the murals, or simply have a look around.

There is a charge of £5 per person, increasing to £8 per person should you also wish to view the debate chamber as part of your visit.

Check out their website for full details and opening hours.

If you’re visiting Oxford, it’s also worth visiting the Bodleian Old Library (pictured above) - one of the oldest libraries in Europe.

Part of the larger Bodleian Library complex, it is connected to the Radcliffe Camera by the underground Gladstone Link.

It has three historic reading rooms: the Lower Reading Room, the Upper Reading Room and Duke Humfrey's Library.

If you’d like to see it for yourself, the address is: Bodleian Old Library, Catte Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG.

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