Pre-Raphaelite Murals
The Pre-Raphaelite murals in the old Library at the Oxford Union were painted between 1857 and 1859 by a team of young artists including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones. The paintings depict scenes from the Arthurian legends.
The ceiling
The ceiling design is by William Morris. it was painted in 1857 and subsequently restored by Morris in 1875 to a modified design.
Viewing the murals
The murals and ceiling may be viewed when the Library is open. There is a charge of £1.50 per person for visitors who are not members of the Oxford Union Society.
Group visits (up to 25 people per group) are welcomed. The exception to this is during the second half of Trinity term, i.e. mid-May to mid-June, when University examinations are taking place. For an additional charge of £5 per group a short talk (approx. 30 minutes) on the history of the murals can be provided.
Postcards and a booklet about the murals are on sale in the library. Photography is not permitted in the Old Library.
For further information about the murals or to book a visit, please ring 01865-241353 and ask for the library, or email giving the following details:
- Contact name, telephone number and/or email address
- Date(s) of proposed visit(s)
- Number of people in party
- Tour required? (additional charge of £5 per group)
- Any other requirements