The vision for the future

Vision for the Next Chapter

The core of the College’s ambition for the Library is to provide a study space fit for 21st century students and beyond while still maintaining the building’s inspiring atmosphere and beauty, preserving and protecting the historic fabric of the Library inside and out.

When the special collections were moved to Cohen Quad, in 2017, the College was presented with an opportunity to re-imagine the Library’s internal space and modernise it in a way that is sympathetic to the original design. In May 2019 Exeter appointed Nex, a London-based architects firm to oversee the re-design of the Library and the resulting plans are quite stunning. We hope that our alumni and friends share our excitement as work progresses to transform the space.

“It has been a unique privilege to work with Exeter College on the renewal of one of their most distinctive landmarks. The Library is a key part of George Gilbert Scott’s legacy, containing impressive reading rooms and intricately detailed joinery. Our goal has been to sensitively restore the Library to reveal its original mastery, while improving accessibility and increasing reading spaces for the next generation of Exeter students and fellows.” Alan Dempsey Director, Nex