The Devon and Exeter Institution:  from hidden gem to the heart of the city

The Devon and Exeter Institution is a subscription library in the heart of the city of Exeter.  It was founded in 1813 with the purpose to promote:

‘… the general diffusion of Science, Literature and Art, and for illustrating the Natural and Civil History of the county of Devon and the city of Exeter …’

This purpose holds true today; as the Institution embarks on yet another new chapter in its long and vibrant history, it continues to play a pivotal role in the social, cultural and intellectual life of the region.

A brief history

The Institution is a historic library in its original setting, virtually unchanged since it acquired premises at 7 Cathedral Close and rebuilt the medieval house to accommodate two great galleried libraries adorned with huge cupolas, referred to as the Outer and Inner Libraries. Upstairs the long Reading Room, re-furbished in 1846, boasts a view of the Cathedral – the best in town.  Previously, the building had been used by the Courtenay family, Earls of Devon, as a town house, though it’s possible to trace its origins to the 12^th century. The family remodelled the cottage at the rear during the Reformation – for many years the Librarian’s quarters.

The collection of books, illustrations and artefacts, around 45,000 objects in total, reveals the intellectual, political and cultural interests of the Institution’s earliest members and donors, from natural history, biology and zoology to history, travel, music, art and architecture, theology, mathematics, science and engineering. Westcountry newspapers were collected from the outset – now a rich resource for local studies. The spirit of enquiry that prevailed during the Enlightenment over 200 years ago continues to direct the research of the Institution today through its partnerships with the University of Exeter and with other local heritage organisations, including the Royal Albert Memorial Museum with whom it shares its history.  Indeed, for many years, the Institution’s Inner Library was Exeter’s first museum, fitted out with numerous display cases and accommodating several large objects, including a 7-foot ichthyosaurus, sledge, canoe and Egyptian mummy. The Institution collected various artefacts from scientific instruments to natural history specimens, many of which were packed up and transferred to the RAMM when it officially opened in August 1869. 

From the outset, the Institution was bold and forward-thinking. Its second Librarian is believed to be the country’s first female librarian, Eliza Squance.  She saw off competition from around 20 male applicants for the post, though her appointment in 1849 was not without opposition: 

'I most cordially agree with you in your remarks condemnatory of the appointment of the daughter of the late librarian as his successor, especially as this is an era when many literary men of well known capabilities would have been glad to fill the situation the emoluments of which, directly and indirectly, must have been large, the late custodian having for some years made a most handsome livelihood. Miss Squance may be admirably fitted for the ordinary duties such as keeping the books free from dust and injury but unless she approach near a 'blue stocking' she cannot be sufficiently versed in general literature to be a fit and proper party to have the care of such an Institution, the largest, I believe, in the West of England...' (Extract from a letter in the Western Times December 1849).

And now …

The Devon and Exeter Institution became a Registered Charity on 30 June 1989 with a renewed aim to advance ‘public education’ and to preserve its premises ‘for the public benefit as a building of historic and architectural interest and value’.  For much of its history the Institution has prided itself on being ‘Exeter’s best kept secret’ but today it is refocused on its original aims to be a place of public debate and engagement in the heart of the city.  The Institution’s ambitious programme of learning and engagement events and displays has something for everyone, from activities for little Bookworms, the Institution’s youngest members, to adult talks, lunchtime and evening lectures and workshops – including Saturday Snippets, an informal drop-in event run by members to talk about their research interests, from early printed books to fairy tales.  There is an active reading group and cinema club for members and non-members can explore the Library and its collections on one of the Institution’s regular public tours.  The Institution, like many independent libraries, could not do without its team of volunteers, drawn from its membership, and including students from Exeter University who come on a volunteer training programme to gain valuable experience of working in the heritage sector in a variety of different roles.

At the beginning of March this year the Devon and Exeter Institution was successful in securing a major National Lottery Heritage Fund grant for their project The Next Chapter.  Watch this space as over the next three years the Institution will be delivering upgrades to the infrastructure of the building, essential conservation works, a collection review and an extended programme of activities.  The Institution will be opening up all four front rooms for reading and events and renovating the garden space, so there is much to look forward to.

For more information about the Devon and Exeter Institution visit:  https://devonandexeterinstitution.org/