The Warburg Institute announces Giles Mandelbrote as new Librarian and Director of Collections

Giles will join the Warburg Institute as Librarian and Director of Collections in July and takes his place in a long line of scholar-librarians stretching back to the Institute’s early years in Hamburg. He joins the Warburg at a crucial moment in its history as it completes the £14.5m ‘Warburg Renaissance’ project that will create new facilities for collections, exhibitions, and events.

Since 2010, Giles has served as the Librarian and Archivist of Lambeth Palace Library, the Church of England’s national library and archive, and has had a major role in the creation of a new, purpose-built nine-story building that is now offering the library’s first full programme of public events and exhibitions. 

He said: "The Warburg Institute’s books, photographs and archives form an extraordinary and unique resource. It will be a privilege to contribute to the collection’s future at this exciting time and I am greatly looking forward to working with the library’s staff and the research community around it."

Before moving to Lambeth, Giles spent 15 years as Curator of British Collections 1501-1800 at the British Library. He has served on committees of the Bibliographical Society, Private Libraries Association and Society of Antiquaries, as well as offering expert advice to the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the DCMS Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

Giles is a leading historian of the book trade and also a regular teacher of the History of the Book. Since 2008, he has been the co-convenor of a research seminar on the History of Libraries at the School of Advanced Study, which brings together the Warburg, the Institute of English Studies, and the Institute of Historical Research.

Bill Sherman, Director of the Warburg Institute, said: "We are very fortunate to find someone with the stature and experience of Giles Mandelbrote. His track-record as a librarian, scholar, and teacher is truly exceptional and his successful work at Lambeth will serve him - and us - well as we deliver the Warburg Renaissance."