Enriqueta Augustina Rylands (R74138)

Enriqueta Rylands – who do you think she was?

Enriqueta Rylands was famous for founding The John Rylands Library. But despite public honours, she was little known during her lifetime and most of her personal papers were destroyed. The clues that remain tell a fascinating story of an extraordinary woman.

Plan view of the Longford Park Estate in colour, showing the hall, its grounds, and the surrounding residential streets and houses.

Her Story
Portrait of John Rylands standing by a small table.

Family Life
Detail from an architect's plan of the Gallery in the John Rylands Library

Philanthropy
The Virgin praying (in the Temple?). Gabriel with sceptre flies down. On left three maidens in prayer.

Collecting
A group of climbers ascend Mont Blanc using a rope for assistance.

Travels
Photograph showing the Gallery alcoves, statue of John Rylands, and the stained glass window in the Reading Room of the John Rylands Library.

Find out more

This is an updated version of an exhibition first presented in 2008 at The John Rylands Library to mark the centenary of Enriqueta's death.

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