Baillie's Institution Library Collections
Baillie's Institution Library had always attracted a number of bequests, as well as accommodating collections belong to local societies.
In the 1920's, two important collections became the property of the Library: the bequests of Colonel H.J. Bennett and John Fleming.
Bennett Collection
Books relating to Glasgow and to art and artists, numbering nearly 1500 volumes. The Glasgow items include the first book printed in Glasgow in 1638 and the first history of Glasgow printed in 1736. The art collection is shelved separately within the Art section of General Services on Level 4. Colonel Bennett's papers are located with the other Baillie's manuscripts.
Title page of the first book printed in Glasgow in 1638
Fleming Collection
Collection of books belonging to John Fleming who was well-known in art and business circles in Glasgow. Contains material on heraldry, fine arts, Scottish History and genealogy, as well as a set of the Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal from its first issue. His collection of bookplates is currently located in Archives and Special Collections.
Guy Aldred
A considerable collection of papers, pamplets and newspaper cuttings relating to the anarchist Guy Aldred (1886-1963), who lived in Glasgow from 1912 until his death. He set up The Glasgow Anarchist group and edited various anarchist magazines. He was involved in a variety of other causes such as Indian independence, distribution of birth control liteature and anti-war and conscription agitation during both world wars.
Manuscripts
A number of manuscripts are held in Archives and Special Collections and an alphabetical list of these is available. Notable items include:
- papers relating to the Foulis family of Glasgow printers, 1717-1825
- letter from John Ruskin to James R. Anderson, 1872-88
- a complete report of the Trial of Edward Pritchard, including photographs of Pritchard and family, 1865
- considerable number of papers relating to Roland E. Muirhead (1868-1964)
- Glasgow Necropolis Register of Burials, 1833-64
The Baillie's Institution Archives are housed in Archives and Special Collections and include the original Trust Deed set up by George Baillie in 1863, Baillie family correspondence and photography and official documents of the Institution.
The Mitchell's collections have benefited enormously from the addition of Baillie's Library material, especially regarding material relating to Glasgow and Early Glasgow Printing.
The connection continues today with the Trustees and Governors of Baillie's Institution continuing to be supportive of The Mitchell and items of Scottish interest are acquired using a Fund set aside for that purpose.
Financial assistance has often been give to assist major one-off purchases, such as the 1901 census which was recently acquired for the Family History Centre thanks to the continuing generosity of the Trustees and Governors.
More about George Baillie
More about Baillie's Institution Library