John Rylands Library four boundaries, was noted for the pleasant contrast between the 'sullen roar' of Manchester and the 'internal cloister quietude of Rylands'. It was lit by oriel windows in the reading alcoves supplemented by high clerestory windows along both sides. Embellishments in the reading room include two large stained glass windows with portraits of religious and secular figures, designed by C. E. Kempe; a series of statues in the reading room by Bridgeman's of Lichfield; and bronzework in the art nouveau style by Singer of Frome. The portraits in sculpture (20) and stained glass (40) represent a selection of personages from
L. Gordon Rylands L. Gordon Rylands Louis Gordon Rylands (July 10, 1862 - December 20, 1942), best known as L. Gordon Rylands was a British criminologist and writer. Rylands was born in Warrington, Lancashire. His father was the politician Peter Rylands. He was educated at Charterhouse and University College London (B.A., B.Sc). After completing his studies, he was secretary of the family business, Rylands Brothers wire manufacturers from 1884 to 1887, then from 1897 to 1898 was science master at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne. He worked as a private tutor from 1898 to 1924. At the time of his death