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New collections arrive at the National Library every week. From books, newspapers, and maps to artworks, photographs and manuscripts. These items tell the story of Wales and its people. Our curators have selected some of the most recent additions to the collections to share with you.
Which one is your favourite?
July - September 2026
Joan Blaeu
Wallia Principatus vulgo Wales, 1645-1648
In 2024, we purchased this map of Wales by Dutch master cartographer Joan Blaeu (1596-1673). It was published in the fourth volume of his Atlas Novus in the 1640s and was dedicated to Prince Charles of England – the future Charles II. Blaeu’s company was the official cartographer for the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and was the first to publish a map showing the name ‘Nieuw Zeeland’. Created by engraving a copper plate, changes were difficult and expensive, and so the same map would have been reprinted many times.
Cuff Creates
Saunas in Wales, 2025
This map was created as a partnership between Aberystwyth sauna company Aberpoeth and designer Sienna Cuff to promote independent saunas across Wales. Aberpoeth opened its doors on the prom in 2024. Designed digitally, this map has been used on t-shirts, posters, vans, and social media posts, and can be updated and reused with ease to reflect the growth of Wales’ sauna culture.
Isabel Adonis
My Mother and Father, 2008
Acrylic on Canvas
In this work, the artist Isabel Adonis (b. 1951) portrays her mother and father. The artist used an image of this work for the cover of her book And: A Memoir of my Mother (2022) which won the Creative Non-Fiction prize at the Wales Book of the Year Awards 2023. In both her art and writing, the artist explores themes of race, identity, and childhood.
Julian Williams Papers
A native of Aberystwyth, John Julian Williams (1935-2022) worked as a set designer at BBC Wales, Cardiff, and photographs, scripts and plans reflects his varied career. His collection also reveals family connections, including letters from composer Grace Williams to his mother, and items belonging to his great-aunt, Mary Williams (1883-1977), the first woman to be appointed 'Professor' in Britain. These medals were awarded to her by the French state in 1934.
View the collection record in the NLW Archives and Manuscripts catalogue.
The Harry Secombe Archive
Swansea-born Sir Harry Secombe (1921-2001) was a comedian, singer, broadcaster, and all-round entertainer. His archive, reflecting a career spanning 50 years, was gifted to the Library by his family on the 100th anniversary of his birth. It includes material relating to The Goon Show (the 75th anniversary of which is marked this year), and to Harry's role as Mr Bumble in the award-winning film Oliver! (1968).
View the collection record in the NLW Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue.
Cwm Eigiau: The Wall Without Foundation
Aled Rhys Hughes
Aled Rhys Hughes’ series of atmospheric photographs of the remains of Eigiau Dam commemorates the events of 2 November 1925 when the poorly constructed dam failed, causing a flood of water and boulders to sweep though north Dolgarrog and the village of Porth Llwyd. Sixteen people were killed. More would have died had they not been watching a film in the local cinema at the time.
Chester and North Wales Telephone Directory, 1900
The list of names and numbers only fills twelve pages, which shows that telephones were still an emerging technology. Most of the names listed are businesspeople as the cost of using phones was too expenses for private residents.
The last dying speech and confession of Rebecca Edwards who was executed at Monmouth, on Friday the 16th of August 1822
This purported rhyming repentance by the condemned Edwards was more likely an effort by the publisher to profit from a tragic event. The ballad is an example of sensational street literature popular at the time.
Curtis (John), [Bees (from British Entomology)], c. 1840-1868
This unique book was bought to add to the Library’s extensive bee book collection, many of which were donated by The International Bee Research Association. The drawings by ‘E.A. & K.’ (the daughters of the book’s owner, W.H.L. Walcott) complement the descriptions of the bees from British Entomology.
'Self-propulsion' and the rise and progress of "velocipedes" and "manumotive carriages": with numerous illustrations and instructions for learning to ride the bicycle and tricycle. W.M. Morris. Cardiff and Pontypridd, Morris Bros, [1885]
An illustrated history of bicycles. William Morgan Morris was one of three brothers who ran the Morris Brothers’ bicycle factory, founded in 1872 in Pontypridd.
Vietnam, Committee for Communist Unity & Vanguard, [1965]
A protest pamphlet calling for activists to mobilise against the Vietnam War (1955-1975).