Radcliffe Camera — Attraction in Oxford

I’m writing this review for people hoping to use the Radcam as a working space, rather than as a tourist attraction. It’s a beautiful library to work in.

Pros • Aesthetics & atmosphere: The interior is stunning, quintessentially Oxford, and even a bit inspiring. The highest floor is my favorite — it feels airy and open under the dome, with lots of natural light streaming through the perimeter windows. • Quietness: Despite being a large, open space with many people, the library remains surprisingly quiet. You can hear the hourly chimes from the nearby University Church, which adds a nice ambiance. • Seating & comfort: There are a few ergonomic chairs mixed in with the classic wooden ones, and three cushioned chairs with footstools on the top floor are especially comfortable for reading. • Plugs & practicality: Plenty of plugs are available, so you can use your laptop without issue.

Cons • Toilets: All toilets are on the bottom floor, which can be inconvenient if you’re working on the top floor. They also somehow always stink. • Floor movement: On the upper floors, the floor slightly vibrates when librarians move book carts or when people walk nearby, which can be disorienting when in the zone. • Tourist distractions: While photography is officially prohibited, readers often take photos, which can be distracting if you’re trying to focus. • Retrofitted comfort: The library is retrofitted, so it’s not the most comfortable for extended working periods.

Overall

Despite some drawbacks, I really enjoy working here. It’s a picturesque, iconic Oxford library, especially if you like airy spaces, natural light, and classic architecture. While it may not be ideal for study marathons, it’s a must-visit working space if you have...

The library's construction and maintenance was funded from the estate of John Radcliffe, a notable doctor, who left £40,000 upon his death in 1714. According to the terms of his will, construction only began in 1737, although the intervening period saw the complex purchase of the site. The exterior was complete in 1747 and the interior finished by 1748, although the library's opening was delayed until 13 April 1749.

Upon completion, Francis Wise was appointed as its first librarian. Until 1810, the library housed books covering a wide range of subjects, but under George Williams it narrowed its focus to the sciences. Williams brought the library from a state of neglect up to date, although by 1850 the Radcliffe Library still lagged behind the Bodleian. It was at this point that Henry Wentworth Acland, then librarian, laid out plans for the Radcliffe Library building to merge with the university and the library's collection of books to be moved to the newly constructed Radcliffe Science Library, which were accepted by the library's trustees and the university. It was at this point that the building became known as the Radcliffe Camera, serving as a reading room for the Bodleian. Some visitors and tourists erroneously believe the Radcliffe Camera houses the Bodleian's collection of rare books; however, a large collection of rare and antiquarian books are contained in the nearby Weston Library and there are in excess of 1 million searchable records online for books, journals, magazines, newspapers, maps, ephemera, and music printed before 1900 covering antiquarian collections held in almost 60 libraries in...

The most iconic place in Oxford. Must visit. If you’re a traveller, I have a little tip for you. Taking a picture with this Baroque-style circular library requires some careful thought, as most of the photos you see online are probably taken using drones (see below, credits to the amazing Reagan Yip). It is quite difficult to fit yourself into the photo without sacrificing the view. The best photo spot, I learnt, is a balcony inside Exeter College, which is not open to the public. You can consider a low-angle shot - see the matriculation photo below for inspiration - as it captures the impressive Rad Cam whilst adding a tinge of creativity. Certainly a refreshing take on an extremely popular spot.

If you’re a student, my honest take is: go somewhere else to study. The interior is gorgeous no doubt, and at some point you should visit this library at least once, but your Bod Card can get you to much nicer study spaces. To quote Robert Frost:

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the...