Rylands Esoterica; Magic, Monsters and Macabre at The John Rylands Research Insitute and Library

This lightning talk will delve into the esoteric items that the John Rylands Research Institute and Library holds, being brought together in the Magic Monsters and Macabre MDC collection. The collection currently has 40 items, from alchemical texts to confessions and executions of prisoners, certificates of pagan sacrifice to experimental early photography.

Earlier this year I started to look at expanding the collection, and have begun my own research into what else is hidden away on the shelves and in boxes, and have uncovered some fantastic items that will be added. I have also begun an Instagram page; @Rylands_Esoterica sharing content with a wide audience and engaging with social media from a more personal approach as a staff member.