George Reid was born in Dunfermline in 1840, the son of a handloom weaver. He built a successful career in the linen trade, joining his uncle’s firm, Messrs Andrew Reid & Co., as a clerk in 1861 and becoming a damask manufacturer by 1881. Following ill health, he retired early and devoted his time to travel and collecting rare and unusual books.
Reid was widely regarded as a model employer and a generous supporter of his community, contributing to Canmore Street Congregational Church, Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, and the Fine Art Association. A keen antiquarian, he also donated items to the Dunfermline Museum and Archaeological Society.
In 1902, Reid donated 67 books to the Victoria and Albert Museum, helping form the nucleus of its National Art Library. When he died in 1910, he left the rest of his collection to Dunfermline. It was displayed in the Special Collections room at Dunfermline Carnegie Library from 1921 until 2013.
Today, the collection is cared for by OnFife Archives at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries. It includes important early manuscripts and printed books, such as a 15th-century Missale Romanum, two Italian Books of Hours, and early printed works by Thomas Aquinas and Nuremberg printer Anton Koberger.
The collection is available to view by appointment for individuals and groups.
To find out more or book a visit, contact the Local History Collection at Localstudies.dunfermline@onfife.com or call 01383 602365.
Gallery of manuscripts
Missal from the late 14th Century
Created in Italy c1250. This Antiphoner is a choral book
A bestseller from the middle ages, Books of Hours were often created for individuals
A French Book of Hours
A beautiful Book of Hours from Italy from the early 16th Century
A book collecting all the musical items of the mass.
Gallery of printed books from the 17th Century
Chaucer, the workes of our ancient and learned English Poet. Printed in London 1602
Mr William Shakespeares comedies, histories and tragedies London 1632 (2nd Folio)
The Book of Common Prayer and other ceremonies of the Church of England. Printed in London 1638
Works of Ben Jonson, printed in London, 1640
Beaumont and Fletcher, Comedies and Tragedies London 1647
Mr William Shakespear’s comedies, histories and tragedies. London 1685. The famous fourth volume.
John Milton, Paradise Lost. London 1688
Contact us
Please contact the Local Studies Department in Dunfermline Tel 01383 602365 to make an appointment.