Brotherton Library

Brotherton Library is an academic library in Leeds that houses research collections on languages and humanities within a distinctive cylindrical reading room. The space is supported by twenty columns of green Swedish marble and topped by a concrete dome that forms the building's central feature.

Businessman Edward Brotherton made a major donation in 1927 that enabled the building's construction, which opened in 1936 under architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester's design. The project reflected the university's growth during a period of institutional development and modernization.

The rare books and manuscripts held here draw scholars from across disciplines to engage with primary sources. These collections allow visitors to see how knowledge in languages and literature has been recorded and preserved through centuries.

The building is straightforward to navigate with areas for focused study and group spaces equipped with technology for different needs. Be aware that some collections require advance notice to view and not all sections are open to casual visitors.

The cylindrical reading room surpasses the British Museum's reading room in size, reflecting the ambitious scale of 1930s university architecture. This detail shows how regional institutions of that era competed with national landmarks in grandeur.

Location: Leeds

Architects: Henry Vaughan Lanchester

Official opening: 1936

Part of: Leeds University Library

Website: https://library.leeds.ac.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.80780,-1.55344

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:08