Antonio Panizzi

(1797-1879)

Born in Brescello, Panizzi grew up in an Emilian background that had a deep influence on his upbringing.
He studied in Reggio Emilia and Parma and, after graduating with a degree in law, returned to his home town where he began practicing law, while also holding public office and stepping up his political involvement.
During this period, he came into contact with liberal and Risorgimento circles, which had a decisive influence on his career.

Due to his involvement in investigations into the Carbonari societies, he was forced into exile in 1822.

From that point on, his life unfolded between Switzerland and England, and it was in the United Kingdom that his career took off.
In 1831, he joined the British Museum and, thanks to his skills and his cultural and political connections, became one of the leading figures in European library reform.
He devised the famous ‘91 rules’ of cataloguing and designed the revolutionary Reading Room, a symbol of modern access to knowledge.
His influence grew to the point where he was knighted and appointed Principal Librarian.