The Devon and Exeter Institution
@dexinst.bsky.social
Thriving Independent Historic Library and Educational Charity, welcoming new members of all ages. Find out more at: http://linktr.ee/DExInstitution
Looking for a meaningful gift this Christmas? Adopt one of our books for your loved one and treat them to a private tour of our historic library, followed by cream tea for two in the Courtenay Room. Gift adoptions cost £45, and help to fund vital conservation work.
November 26, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Looking for a meaningful gift this Christmas? Adopt one of our books for your loved one and treat them to a private tour of our historic library, followed by cream tea for two in the Courtenay Room. Gift adoptions cost £45, and help to fund vital conservation work.
Competition time!
For this year's DEI Christmas card, we chose this beautiful wood engraving from the 1867 Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News, based on a drawing by Wilhelm Kümpel.
Can you recreate this image, holding an object of your choice, to win a pack of 10 Christmas cards?
For this year's DEI Christmas card, we chose this beautiful wood engraving from the 1867 Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News, based on a drawing by Wilhelm Kümpel.
Can you recreate this image, holding an object of your choice, to win a pack of 10 Christmas cards?
November 21, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Competition time!
For this year's DEI Christmas card, we chose this beautiful wood engraving from the 1867 Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News, based on a drawing by Wilhelm Kümpel.
Can you recreate this image, holding an object of your choice, to win a pack of 10 Christmas cards?
For this year's DEI Christmas card, we chose this beautiful wood engraving from the 1867 Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News, based on a drawing by Wilhelm Kümpel.
Can you recreate this image, holding an object of your choice, to win a pack of 10 Christmas cards?
Reposted by The Devon and Exeter Institution
I had the opportunity to put together a book display this month in the @dexinst.bsky.social (title: 'Threads through Time')! It's based on depictions of clothing in the historic book collection 📚It will be on display until this Saturday, 22 November
November 17, 2025 at 11:29 AM
I had the opportunity to put together a book display this month in the @dexinst.bsky.social (title: 'Threads through Time')! It's based on depictions of clothing in the historic book collection 📚It will be on display until this Saturday, 22 November
On 27th November, Professor Nicola Thomas will discuss the Reinterpretation of the Redvers Buller statue in Exeter. This will be a space for reflection on the presence of the colonial past in contemporary civic life. Tickets can be purchased here: www.tickettailor.com/events/devon...
November 18, 2025 at 2:43 PM
On 27th November, Professor Nicola Thomas will discuss the Reinterpretation of the Redvers Buller statue in Exeter. This will be a space for reflection on the presence of the colonial past in contemporary civic life. Tickets can be purchased here: www.tickettailor.com/events/devon...
These are the words of Mary Somerville, writing in her old age.
This pioneering scientist of the nineteenth century is the subject of our Book of the Month blog for November - written and researched by our Library Volunteer Edward Maunder.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/mary-somervi...
This pioneering scientist of the nineteenth century is the subject of our Book of the Month blog for November - written and researched by our Library Volunteer Edward Maunder.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/mary-somervi...
November 6, 2025 at 12:38 PM
These are the words of Mary Somerville, writing in her old age.
This pioneering scientist of the nineteenth century is the subject of our Book of the Month blog for November - written and researched by our Library Volunteer Edward Maunder.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/mary-somervi...
This pioneering scientist of the nineteenth century is the subject of our Book of the Month blog for November - written and researched by our Library Volunteer Edward Maunder.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/mary-somervi...
Ghosts! Spiders! Bats! Surely this is a #Halloween image?
Well, it actually comes from the Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News (1867).
During the Victorian era, spooky tales were especially associated with the festive period
Well, it actually comes from the Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News (1867).
During the Victorian era, spooky tales were especially associated with the festive period
October 31, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Ghosts! Spiders! Bats! Surely this is a #Halloween image?
Well, it actually comes from the Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News (1867).
During the Victorian era, spooky tales were especially associated with the festive period
Well, it actually comes from the Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London News (1867).
During the Victorian era, spooky tales were especially associated with the festive period
Reposted by The Devon and Exeter Institution
A @dexinst.bsky.social board meeting tonight - an honour and a privilege to be voted Hon Sec for another year. Huge progress over the last 12 months; much more planned. Thank you to fellow trustees, the top-class staff, wonderful volunteers, and engaged members that make it what it is.
October 29, 2025 at 6:35 PM
A @dexinst.bsky.social board meeting tonight - an honour and a privilege to be voted Hon Sec for another year. Huge progress over the last 12 months; much more planned. Thank you to fellow trustees, the top-class staff, wonderful volunteers, and engaged members that make it what it is.
How about this schoolmaster's log book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm, or email us to make a research appointment.
#primarysources #Victorianschools #Victorianchildren #archives #dissertation
See this book in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm, or email us to make a research appointment.
#primarysources #Victorianschools #Victorianchildren #archives #dissertation
October 23, 2025 at 1:09 PM
How about this schoolmaster's log book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm, or email us to make a research appointment.
#primarysources #Victorianschools #Victorianchildren #archives #dissertation
See this book in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm, or email us to make a research appointment.
#primarysources #Victorianschools #Victorianchildren #archives #dissertation
What do you call an apple that has fallen off its tree?
Well according to this 'Treatise on cyder-making' from 1755 you would call it a 'promiscuous' kind of apple!
Well according to this 'Treatise on cyder-making' from 1755 you would call it a 'promiscuous' kind of apple!
October 21, 2025 at 2:19 PM
What do you call an apple that has fallen off its tree?
Well according to this 'Treatise on cyder-making' from 1755 you would call it a 'promiscuous' kind of apple!
Well according to this 'Treatise on cyder-making' from 1755 you would call it a 'promiscuous' kind of apple!
Calling all university students!
How about this archaeological manuscript as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this archaeological manuscript as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
October 16, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Calling all university students!
How about this archaeological manuscript as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this archaeological manuscript as #DissertationInspiration?
See this book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
Meet the curator!
Wednesday 15th October. Drop in between 1-3pm.
Our new book display ‘Travelling through the library: Translated literature in the DEI’ has been curated by Richard Mansell, Senior Lecturer in Translation at the University of Exeter.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/meet-the-cur...
Wednesday 15th October. Drop in between 1-3pm.
Our new book display ‘Travelling through the library: Translated literature in the DEI’ has been curated by Richard Mansell, Senior Lecturer in Translation at the University of Exeter.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/meet-the-cur...
October 10, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Meet the curator!
Wednesday 15th October. Drop in between 1-3pm.
Our new book display ‘Travelling through the library: Translated literature in the DEI’ has been curated by Richard Mansell, Senior Lecturer in Translation at the University of Exeter.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/meet-the-cur...
Wednesday 15th October. Drop in between 1-3pm.
Our new book display ‘Travelling through the library: Translated literature in the DEI’ has been curated by Richard Mansell, Senior Lecturer in Translation at the University of Exeter.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/meet-the-cur...
Calling all university students!
How about this nineteenth-century dramatic photo album as #DissertationInspiration?
See this album and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this nineteenth-century dramatic photo album as #DissertationInspiration?
See this album and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
October 9, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Calling all university students!
How about this nineteenth-century dramatic photo album as #DissertationInspiration?
See this album and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this nineteenth-century dramatic photo album as #DissertationInspiration?
See this album and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
Just look at the vibrant colours of these marbled endpapers!
They can be found in our copy of ‘Cartas erudítas, y curiosas’ by Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1777).
They can be found in our copy of ‘Cartas erudítas, y curiosas’ by Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1777).
October 6, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Just look at the vibrant colours of these marbled endpapers!
They can be found in our copy of ‘Cartas erudítas, y curiosas’ by Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1777).
They can be found in our copy of ‘Cartas erudítas, y curiosas’ by Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1777).
Calling all university students!
How about this seventeenth century medical recipe book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this recipe book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this seventeenth century medical recipe book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this recipe book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
October 3, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Calling all university students!
How about this seventeenth century medical recipe book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this recipe book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
How about this seventeenth century medical recipe book as #DissertationInspiration?
See this recipe book and a number of other fascinating archives in person at our Dissertation Inspiration Drop In on Friday 24th October, 2-4pm.
One of the voices preserved in People Talking (1975-9), a collection of working people’s memories of Exeter up to 1945. In October’s blog, Jenny Lloyd reflects on the project, which features in the Exeter events for the Festival of #DevonInThe1920s, running 9-18 October.
#exeterhistory #oralhistory
#exeterhistory #oralhistory
October 1, 2025 at 1:59 PM
One of the voices preserved in People Talking (1975-9), a collection of working people’s memories of Exeter up to 1945. In October’s blog, Jenny Lloyd reflects on the project, which features in the Exeter events for the Festival of #DevonInThe1920s, running 9-18 October.
#exeterhistory #oralhistory
#exeterhistory #oralhistory
Calling all university students!
Are you looking for some #DissertationInspiration?
Join us for a drop in session to view original primary sources, perfect to give you ideas for your historical research.
Free and open to all.
Are you looking for some #DissertationInspiration?
Join us for a drop in session to view original primary sources, perfect to give you ideas for your historical research.
Free and open to all.
September 26, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Calling all university students!
Are you looking for some #DissertationInspiration?
Join us for a drop in session to view original primary sources, perfect to give you ideas for your historical research.
Free and open to all.
Are you looking for some #DissertationInspiration?
Join us for a drop in session to view original primary sources, perfect to give you ideas for your historical research.
Free and open to all.
Members' Magazine Auction
Did you know that as a member of the Devon and Exeter Institution, you can bid for a year's worth of back issues of your favourite magazine?
Bidding for this year's auction closes on Tuesday 30th September.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/members-maga...
Did you know that as a member of the Devon and Exeter Institution, you can bid for a year's worth of back issues of your favourite magazine?
Bidding for this year's auction closes on Tuesday 30th September.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/members-maga...
Members' Magazine Auction 2025 - The Devon and Exeter Institution
devonandexeterinstitution.org
September 23, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Members' Magazine Auction
Did you know that as a member of the Devon and Exeter Institution, you can bid for a year's worth of back issues of your favourite magazine?
Bidding for this year's auction closes on Tuesday 30th September.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/members-maga...
Did you know that as a member of the Devon and Exeter Institution, you can bid for a year's worth of back issues of your favourite magazine?
Bidding for this year's auction closes on Tuesday 30th September.
devonandexeterinstitution.org/members-maga...
This morning we kicked off our Heritage Open Days with a Librarian's Tour. If you missed out, we have another Librarian's Tour on Thursday at 2pm.
Visit our website to see full listings of all the exciting events taking place this week: devonandexeterinstitution.org/heritage-ope...
Visit our website to see full listings of all the exciting events taking place this week: devonandexeterinstitution.org/heritage-ope...
September 16, 2025 at 1:25 PM
This morning we kicked off our Heritage Open Days with a Librarian's Tour. If you missed out, we have another Librarian's Tour on Thursday at 2pm.
Visit our website to see full listings of all the exciting events taking place this week: devonandexeterinstitution.org/heritage-ope...
Visit our website to see full listings of all the exciting events taking place this week: devonandexeterinstitution.org/heritage-ope...
Inspired by the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we searched our historic book collections for stories of women in sport, and that’s where we came across ‘a damsel named Margot, who resided at Paris in 1424, and played at hand-tennis with the palm, and also with the back of her hand, better than any man’.
August 31, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Inspired by the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we searched our historic book collections for stories of women in sport, and that’s where we came across ‘a damsel named Margot, who resided at Paris in 1424, and played at hand-tennis with the palm, and also with the back of her hand, better than any man’.
Reposted by The Devon and Exeter Institution
Came across an obscure local satire serial that the @dexinst.bsky.social was subscribed to for a few years in the 1880s. Some of the members were not pleased about its presence in the reading room!
August 12, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Came across an obscure local satire serial that the @dexinst.bsky.social was subscribed to for a few years in the 1880s. Some of the members were not pleased about its presence in the reading room!
Our second-hand book sale is taking place this Saturday! We’ve had some amazing donations and this promises to be our biggest book sale yet.
As well as fantastic modern fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, there will be loads of books about:
- Art
- War
- Cinema
- Local history
As well as fantastic modern fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, there will be loads of books about:
- Art
- War
- Cinema
- Local history
August 27, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Our second-hand book sale is taking place this Saturday! We’ve had some amazing donations and this promises to be our biggest book sale yet.
As well as fantastic modern fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, there will be loads of books about:
- Art
- War
- Cinema
- Local history
As well as fantastic modern fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, there will be loads of books about:
- Art
- War
- Cinema
- Local history
#OnThisDay in 1521, Tenochtitlan fell and the Aztec empire ended. ‘The History of Mexico’ (1807) illustrates the Greater Temple, which was destroyed by the Spanish. Some scholars suggest 13th August 3114 BC as the start date for the Mayan Calendar – though the 11th is more widely agreed upon.
#OTD
#OTD
August 13, 2025 at 2:47 PM
#OnThisDay in 1521, Tenochtitlan fell and the Aztec empire ended. ‘The History of Mexico’ (1807) illustrates the Greater Temple, which was destroyed by the Spanish. Some scholars suggest 13th August 3114 BC as the start date for the Mayan Calendar – though the 11th is more widely agreed upon.
#OTD
#OTD
Who's this serious fellow? Well, it's the First Earl of Clarendon of course!
In July, Thomas Gray joined us from The King's School in Ottery St. Mary for work experience, and studied Clarendon's history of the English Civil War.
Read Thomas' blog here: devonandexeterinstitution.org/clarendons-a...
In July, Thomas Gray joined us from The King's School in Ottery St. Mary for work experience, and studied Clarendon's history of the English Civil War.
Read Thomas' blog here: devonandexeterinstitution.org/clarendons-a...
August 5, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Who's this serious fellow? Well, it's the First Earl of Clarendon of course!
In July, Thomas Gray joined us from The King's School in Ottery St. Mary for work experience, and studied Clarendon's history of the English Civil War.
Read Thomas' blog here: devonandexeterinstitution.org/clarendons-a...
In July, Thomas Gray joined us from The King's School in Ottery St. Mary for work experience, and studied Clarendon's history of the English Civil War.
Read Thomas' blog here: devonandexeterinstitution.org/clarendons-a...
Join us on Saturday 30th August, 11am-3pm, for a second-hand book sale, taking place in our beautiful Georgian library.
July 25, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Join us on Saturday 30th August, 11am-3pm, for a second-hand book sale, taking place in our beautiful Georgian library.
"The microscope extends the boundaries of the organs of vision, enables us to examine the structure of plants and animals; presents to the eye myriads of beings, of whose existence we had before formed no idea".
July 22, 2025 at 12:32 PM
"The microscope extends the boundaries of the organs of vision, enables us to examine the structure of plants and animals; presents to the eye myriads of beings, of whose existence we had before formed no idea".