Book Display: Poisonous Books

Devon & Exeter Institution, 7 Cathedral Cl, Exeter, EX1 1EZ

Tel: 01392 274727

Collection of old historic books

About

In 1775, Swedish chemist Karl Scheele developed an emerald green pigment which became known as 'Scheele's Green'. In the nineteenth century, paint manufacturers aimed to improve on this pigment, and 'Paris Green' was invented. By the middle of the century, emerald green was the height of fashion, and these pigments were used in a great number of manufactured items, including wallpaper, clothing, children's toys, ornaments, and even confectionery. The problem was that this pigment contained arsenic.

The reason that this is relevant for the DEI, and for historic libraries more generally, is that arsenic was also used in book production, to create emerald green cloth and paper. Through this book display, we explore the dark secret of this vibrant colour, and its use in our book collections.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
StandardFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

TripAdvisor

Directions

Opening Times

01/09/2026 - 31/10/2026 (1 Sept 2026 - 31 Oct 2026)

* Times vary

Follow us

What's Nearby

  1. Book Display: The Weather Keepers

    158 Years of Meteorological Observation at the DEI

    In 1817, John Squance, the DEI's…

    0 miles away
  2. Free Tours

    The Institution occupies historic premises at the heart of Exeter in Cathedral Close. …

    0 miles away
  3. Bookworms

    Join us for a fun, creative workshop, inspired by the Institution's collections or themed…

    0 miles away
  1. Exeter Independent Market

    Discover the best of Exeter and the South West at the Exeter Independent Market on…

    0.03 miles away
  2. The Merry Wives of Windsor

    Cathedral Players are back with their production of Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of…

    0.03 miles away
  3. Summer holiday activities for children

    20 July - 18 August | Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:30am-12noon & 1:30pm-3pm
    For…

    0.03 miles away
  4. Wonder, Wander and Walk the Labyrinth – Special Workshop

    This is an opportunity to explore the origins and use of the labyrinth and to learn how…

    0.03 miles away
  5. Bishop's Garden and Cathedral Tour

    This delightful tour is an opportunity to visit a beautiful area in the centre of the…

    0.03 miles away
  6. Libera in Concert

    I like them so much they sang at my wedding Aled Jones

    Libera will be returning to…

    0.03 miles away
  7. Vaughan Williams A Sea Symphony

    Rich in melody, colour and imagination, A Sea Symphony remains one of Vaughan Williams's…

    0.03 miles away
  8. Leading Ladies: Stories of Ordinary and Extraordinary Women

    Celebrate women through history and discover their stories at this special tour of the…

    0.03 miles away
  9. St Sidwell 2026 - Women and Witchcraft in Tudor and Stuart St Sidwells talk by Professor Mark

    St Sidwells is the largest parish in Exeter with a rich and vibrant history. Named after…

    0.03 miles away
  10. London Concertante: A Night at the Opera by Candlelight

    If you're looking for a romantic candlelit experience, want to enjoy some classical music…

    0.03 miles away
  11. Summer Organ Recital: Andrew Millington

    Exeter Cathedral is thrilled to welcome former Director of Music of Exeter Cathedral…

    0.03 miles away
  12. Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight

    Enjoy a spectacular candlelight piano recital including Beethoven's masterpiece The…

    0.03 miles away
  13. Spotlight on...The Exeter Book

    Discover the oldest book of English literature in the world! This exclusive curator-led…

    0.03 miles away
Previous Next

Search for What's Nearby

Product Type
Proximity
Within miles

Events Powered By

Data Thistle