Imagine stepping back to 1845. That’s when the Taylor Institution first opened its doors here in Oxford. This wasn’t just another library. It was born from a vision to cultivate the study of European languages.
The Taylor Institution owes its existence to Sir Robert Taylor. He was a notable architect who bequeathed his estate. His generosity made this institution possible. Modern European languages weren’t yet a staple at the University. It wasn’t until 1903 that a dedicated faculty emerged. Initially, the Taylorian even housed diverse collections. These included lectures on English history and a butterfly collection.
Look around at this neo-classical building. Charles Cockerell designed this building. It was meant to house both the Taylor Institution and the University Galleries. The galleries are now the Ashmolean Museum. Notice the extensions added in the 1930s along St Giles’ by T.H. Hughes.
Today the Taylor Institution stands as the Oxford University library. It is dedicated to the languages of Europe. It primarily serves students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. The collections are vast and varied. You will find languages from French and German to Russian and Albanian. In total there are around five hundred thousand volumes.
The Taylor Institution boasts world-class collections. Max Müller started the German holdings. He brought many publications from Germany. These included Martin Luther’s Flugschriften. The Italian collection spans from Dante to Futurist manifestos. Early editions of Spanish and Portuguese masters line the shelves. Russian first editions are well represented too.
However, the French holdings are a particular point of pride. The Taylor Institution possesses the only complete collection of French editions of Voltaire’s Candide. These were all printed in 1759. That was the year of its first publication. Also, the Taylorian owns one of only two known copies of the first edition of Benjamin Constant’s Adolphe. For a more sentimental treasure, a lock of Goethe’s hair is preserved within these walls.
Since 1889, an Annual Lecture on a subject of Foreign Literature has been given at the Taylorian Institution.
The Taylor Institution isn’t just a repository of books. It is a vibrant hub of learning and research. Its beautiful reading rooms offer inspiring space. The Taylor Institution continues to promote linguistic exploration and cultural exchange.