New exhibition

A Harmless Treasure Exhibition

A harmless treasure

25 February – 27 April 2019

Take a closer look at the RSM Library’s collection of rare and beautiful herbal illustrations from the 16th and 17th century.

This exhibition explores the Library’s historical collection of herbal books, which were originally used as a way to identify plants for medicinal uses. Books on display include the 1511 edition of Ortus Sanitatis, considered as one of the first natural history encyclopaedia, Theatrum botanicum by the last of the great English herbalists John Parkinson and The Herball by botanist John Gerard.

Items on display also include books by renowned herbalists including Otto Brunfels, Matthias de l'Obel, Garcia da Orta, Leonhart Fuchs, William Turner and Nicolas Monardes.

Visiting information

The exhibition is free to attend. 

To gain entry to the Library exhibition, book online and bring your confirmation letter with you when you are visiting us.

Opening hours

Monday – Thursday: 9am – 9pm
Friday: 9am – 5.30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4.30pm
Sundays and public holidays: closed

Past exhibitions

Download the exhibition booklet to read about past exhibitions held in the Library.

This little pamphlet

This little pamphlet: An exhibition to mark the bicentenary of James Parkinson’s essay on the shaking palsy

November 2017 – February 2018

Download the exhibition booklet
Attachment: Our enduring need for others

Attachment: Our enduring need for others

February – April 2017