Cambridge University Library

The museum & the collection

The Cambridge University’s main library houses an extensive collection of over eight million books, journals, and other materials. It is home to one of the largest open-shelf collections in Europe, with more than two million volumes readily accessible for browsing. Uniquely among legal deposit libraries, a significant portion of the collection is available for borrowing by university members. The library’s exhibitions are open to the public. 

The assignment & the challenges

When selecting new display cases for its scheduled temporary exhibitions, the university required a solution that was both secure and conservation-friendly while being easy to handle. The showcases needed to meet modern security standards and be adaptable to changing displays. Additionally, the project faced a tight lead time, and both conservation and security demands were particularly stringent. 

The solutions & the result

The university opted for Meyvaert’s Standard Table Cases, selecting a display height of 400mm to accommodate diverse exhibits. They chose two cases measuring 1200mm and six cases measuring 1500mm in length, offering flexibility for displaying both large manuscripts and multiple smaller objects.
To ensure optimal conservation conditions, the cases were fitted with dimmable internal lighting, allowing adjustments based on the sensitivity of the objects. The base panels were wrapped in Baumann fabric, fully complying with conservation regulations.

As showcases were in stock at Meyvaert, the cases were delivered swiftly, meeting the strict project deadline. They were shipped in specialized crates designed for safe and efficient transportation. The cases were well received, and the inaugural exhibition, Murder by the Book, opened in March 2024. This crime fiction-themed display featured remarkable objects, including Agatha Christie’s typewriter and Dictaphone, alongside first editions of classics such as Sherlock Holmes and Bleak House.

Cases: courtesy of the Murray Family.

© Hannah Warrick © Cambridge University Library