Library Collection
Click on the collections below for more information.
Theatre Collection
Guildford has a long, vibrant history of theatre dating back to the Guild Merchants’ Mysteries in the early 17th century. We hold a diverse collection of playbills from 1830 onwards.
Find out moreThe World War One Collection
This poignant record in the form of a scrapbook is a lasting memorial to the thousands of local heroes who gave their lives in the Great War.
Find out moreThe Original Collection
The Guildford Institute has always owned and loaned books to its members. This library grew to over four thousand volumes.
Find out moreThe Natural History & Literary Society Collection
In spring 1893, members of the Guildford Working Men’s Institute decided to form a Natural History and Microscopical Club.
Find out moreSouthern Counties Cyclists Camps in Shalford Park (1886-87)
By the 1880s cycling had become a very popular pursuit; Guildford had its own Cycling Club which met at the White Hart Hotel in the High Street – now Sainsbury’s.
Find out moreScrapbook Collection
The Scrapbook Albums, dating from the 1880s to the 1930s, form one of the most valuable elements of our Local History & Heritage Collection.
Find out morePostcard Collection
At the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries, sending picture postcards was all the rage – the equivalent of Facebook!
Find out morePhotograph & Picture Collection
Our impressive and extensive photograph and picture collection is a prized part of the Institute’s Local History & Heritage Collections.
Find out moreParlour Music Collection
Our 38 volumes of sheet music, vocal and instrumental pieces were published around the turn of the 19th century.
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