Alison Cullingford

Head of Libraries and Collections

Alison Cullingford in Cloisters

Alison is responsible for the care and management of all the Cathedral's heritage collections, from our medieval archives and manuscripts to the beautiful objects and artworks visible in the cathedral everyday. 

Alison's remit also includes the services offered by the Cathedral Library, the curation of the exhibitions in Durham Cathedral Museum, and our archaeological excavations, everything that keeps our portable heritage safe, useful and accessible to the public as much as possible.

Background

Before joining the Cathedral, Alison was Head of Special Collections at the University of Bradford, where she was responsible for the University archives and collections relating to Yorkshire history and archaeology, modern history, pressure groups and literature. She studied medieval history at the University of York and librarianship at the University of Sheffield, and worked in academic libraries at Nottingham University and Manchester Metropolitan University. 

Alison is expert in the management of special collections and rare books and published the definitive text book 'The Special Collections Handbook' (3rd edition, Facet, 2021).

Contact

Email: alison.cullingford@durhamcathedral.co.uk 

Tel: 0191 386 2489

See more from the Libraries & Collections Team

Magna Carta to go on display at Durham Cathedral in 2025 for 800th anniversary

Tuesday 12 November 2024 Articles

During next summer, see three rare copies of the Magna Carta, recognising the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue in our collection.

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Durham Cathedral Museum has been awarded accreditation accolade

Saturday 6 July 2024 Articles

Durham Cathedral has recently achieved Accreditation for the Durham Cathedral Museum.

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