Rare books collection
The John Innes Centre holds an impressive library of books dating from 1511.
Our rare books collection represents an important resource covering natural science, horticulture and botanical art across 500 years.
Subjects include;
- Plant anatomy
- Medical botany
- Plant pathology
- Ornamental plants
- Horticulture
- Gardening
- Plant breeding
- Agriculture
Included is a fine collection of floras with illustrations of the native plants of Britain and Europe, and of rare and exotic plants discovered around the world.
Charles Darwin signature
The signature of Charles Darwin, taken from one of the letters written by him in our archives
Illustrations of tulips
Illustrations of tulips by John Gerrard from 'Of the historie of Plants' from 1545-1612
Peas
Colour illustrations of peas from our rare books collections
Plantae Utiliores
The front cover of 'Plantae Utiliores', or 'Illustrations of useful plants, employed in the arts and medicine' from 1840-1850
Rosemary
Illustrations and anatomical descriptions of rosemary
Showcasing the archives
Our archives are not hidden away and are available to visit on request