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Restoration: Bishop Cosin, his library and the changing face of Durham

Until 4th November
Celebrating the life of John Cosin; the seventeenth century Bishop of Durham whose mark on the city can clearly be seen over three hundred years later. This exhibition coincides with the end of a major restoration project in Cosin's 1669 Library.

Over the last two years, the stunning library founded by Cosin has been painstakingly restored as part of a major conservation project. It will open for viewing from summer 2012. To celebrate this event, a new exhibition outlining Cosin's remarkable achievements will be shown in Palace Green Library's new Dunelm Gallery.

Cosin was a prominent figure in the seventeenth century; an ally of King Charles I, he was exiled during the Civil War. After the restoration of the monarchy, he was appointed Bishop of Durham by Charles II, a position that held considerable power. In Durham he embarked on major construction and restoration projects, including the building of his library on Palace Green. As a lifelong book-collector, books from Cosin's collection are still housed in his library on Palace Green.

The exhibition will celebrate Cosin's life and achievements through the difficult years of the English Civil War and into the Restoration period when as Bishop of Durham the changes he made to the city can be seen over three hundred years later.

Palace Green Library exhibitions are open daily (closed Mondays) from 10am to 4.45pm. Bishop Cosin's Library is open for viewing by visitors to the exhibitions daily (closed Mondays), 11am - 12 noon and 2pm to 3pm.

Contact carolyn.gaw@durham.ac.uk for more information about this event.

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