Our Collections comprise over two million documents, maps, photographs, paintings, periodicals, artefacts and books, and span 500 years of geography, travel and exploration.

News

Women travellers in the Foyle Reading Room Spring 2011 marked the publication of extracts from the 1889 work 'Hints to lady travellers'; written with wisdom and humour by Lillias Campbell Davidson. This guide aimed originally to give practical advice to 'women of all means and conditions'. As predecessor to modern travel guides, it now offers a glimpse into the world of the travelling Edwardian lady.

Isabella Bird Bishop photographic collection now digitised Three hundred and two photographic prints by Isabella Bird Bishop have now been digitised by the Society's Picture Library. Subject coverage: Far East, largely China and Japan. The entire set can be viewed on the Picture Library's website. The images are available for both research and commercial reproduction.

  Collections events

  Additional Foyle Reading Room opening hours for Fellows and Members

Our established Fellows' and Members' late openings continue (before Monday Night Lectures until 6.30pm). We are additionally opening from 7.30pm until 8.30pm after selected Monday Night Lecture evenings.

  Collections lecture-related displays in the Foyle Reading Room

Pre- or post-Monday night lecture why not visit the Foyle Reading Room to see lecture-themed Collections displays, pre-lecture from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and post-lecture from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

  Collections On View... displays in the Foyle Reading Room

Complementing selected pavilion exhibitions at the Society. These browsing displays give access to a wide variety of Collections materials; from unique manuscripts and artefacts to rare maps, monographs and images.  

  Contact us

• For general Collections enquiries and bookings, telephone +44 (0)20 7591 3044
• For Commercial Picture Library enquiries, telephone +44 (0)20 7591 3060
• Or email our Collections or Picture Library team