KQ Private View | A Body of Knowledge
Join the Knowledge Quarter and explore the doctors' library.
Join our private view to discover 500 years of book collecting at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), a story shaped by curiosity, ambition, and scholarship, as well as by moments of neglect, rescue, and survival.
Together, we’ll explore the treasures of the Dorchester Library, from rare medical texts to surprising volumes that reveal how physicians saw themselves and their place in the wider world.
The RCP has maintained the library ever since its foundation in 1518. Built from generous donations of books and money, it reflects the interests and expertise of RCP members and fellows across the centuries.
Led by exhibition curator Katie Birkwood, this tour offers a unique opportunity to see remarkable books up close and to gain insights into how 500 years of collecting have created a library unlike any other.
Key Details
Date: Tuesday 2 December, 2025
Time: 08:30 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Royal College of Physicians
The guided tour will begin at 08:45, refreshments will be available from 08:30.
If you are registering under the 'KQ Member' ticket type, please ensure you RSVP with your staff email.
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