The Devon And Exeter Institution
founded in 1813
Annual Member Supporters’ fees: Individual £100; Additional Family Member £50; Couple £150; Temporary Member (3 Months) £50; Junior (0-16) £12; Young Membership (16-25) £50; Low Income Membership £60.
Apply online here: https://devonandexeterinstitution.org/membership/join-or-renew-here/ (one-off joining fee of £15/person) or by contacting the office: office@devonandexeterinstitution.org
1250 members
Background
The Devon and Exeter Institution is a thriving independent library and educational charity in the heart of the city of Exeter. We welcome new members and visitors of all ages.
Our founders established the Institution in 1813, in order to promote ‘the general diffusion of Science, Literature and the Arts, and for illustrating the Natural and Civil History of the county of Devon and the History of the City of Exeter’. This resolution remains at the centre of our strategy to this day.
The DEI has been an Educational Charity since 1989 and enjoys a close working relationship with the University of Exeter and other heritage sites across the city. The Library and collections lie at the heart of the Institution and provide inspiration and a place for research and reading, educational activities, cultural events and lectures.
We offer meeting rooms for business hire and our beautiful libraries are available to host cultural activities and business events. We are open for public tours every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm – 4pm, much to the delight of all our visitors.
We are very proud that the Institution is embarking on yet another new chapter in its long and vibrant history. In March 2020 we secured a grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund for “The Next Chapter”. This 3 year project will see us improve our current space, facilities and access, carry out essential conservation work and a collection review, as well as increasing and diversifying our current educational and events programme.
Collection
The foundation collection reveals the intellectual, political and cultural interests of our region from the beginning of the 19th century and includes books and manuscripts as well as bound newspapers and periodicals, and many thousands of maps, prints, drawings, paintings, pamphlets and other ephemera.
The Institution’s earliest Members had a keen interest in science, mathematics, engineering, natural history, travel and exploration, art and architecture, music, religion and history. Collections relating to the history and topography of the West Country date from the 16th century to the present day and include many unique items.
The spirit of enquiry that prevailed during the Enlightenment over 200 years ago continues to direct the research of the Institution today through its partnerships with the University of Exeter and with other local heritage organisations with whom it shares its history. The Library is a living resource – its stories underpin a dynamic programme of events, including lectures, workshops and temporary exhibitions.
Building
The Institution occupies a medieval building, originally owned by the Cathedral. It was inherited by the Courtenay family in the 17th century and used as their town house for over 150 years. In 1814 the Institution’s founding members, ‘200 Gentlemen of the City’, took ownership of 7 Cathedral Close and adapted the double-courtyard layout to create two elegant Georgian rooms, each with a gallery and magnificent cupola. These rooms functioned as both library and museum; museum objects were later donated to form the foundation collection of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in 1868. The Tudor parlour to the rear of the building was set to become a laboratory and lecture theatre, however funds ran short and we are delighted to have this original building as part of the Institution today.
The building remains unchanged except for the installation of electric light and gas-fired central heating. It has a Grade II* rating in the statutory list of historic buildings in the city.
Contact information
7 Cathedral Close, Exeter, Devon. EX1 1EZ
Office: 01392 274727 / office@devonandexeterinstition.org
Library: 01392 251 017 / library@devonandexeterinstitution.org
Open: Tuesday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm, Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm
Website
www.devonandexeterinstitution.org
Social Media
Facebook: Devonandexeterinstitution
Twitter: devon_ex_inst
Instagram: devon_and_exeter_institution
Status
Registered charity no 1172445