Wellcome Library – a national treasure

The Wellcome Library collections have been recognised for their outstanding national and international importance and awarded 'Designation' status by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).

With over one million items, including books, archives, manuscripts, pictures and films, the Wellcome Library is one of the world's major resources for the study of the history of medicine and associated subjects.The collections span 3 000 years, with items ranging from a medical prescription written on papyrus dated 1100 BC, to the latest information on stem cell research.

The Library holds many iconic treasures, including books from the collection of the pre-Raphaelite, William Morris, letters from the explorer David Livingstone, and papers of Lord Nelson, concerning the provisioning of the fleet in the period leading up to Trafalgar.A recent major acquisition has been the papers of the Nobel Prize winner Francis Crick, which include a rough pencil sketch of his first impressions of the DNA double helix.

Frances Norton, Head of the Wellcome Library, said:

"We are absolutely delighted that the MLA has recognised the importance of the collection.For decades the Wellcome Library has been a first port of call for anyone wanting to further their understanding of medicine, or explore its history.

"Anyone interested in finding out more about the Library, and its collections, is welcome to come and marvel at the treasures housed here in central London and see exactly why we have received this special recognition."

The Library is free and open to the public, Monday to Saturday, at 210 Euston Road.In Autumn 2006, the Wellcome Library will return to its historic home at 183 Euston Road – as part of a major new exhibition and conference venue for London.

Notes to editors

1. Hi-res pictures of the collections are available for use to accompany this release, including Crick’s pencil sketch.

2. Details of the Wellcome Library, including its collections and online catalogues, can be found on the Library website.

3. Leaf through virtual pages of some of the treasures of the Wellcome Library via our interactive Turning the Pages website.

4. Browse through our collection of over 160 000 pictures, covering the history of medicine and the history of human culture from the earliest periods of civilisation to the present day, via our MedPhoto website.

Media contact

Mark Anderson
E m.anderson@wellcome.ac.uk
T 020 7611 8612