IECan Library Unveils Exhibition Honoring Berthelot’s Contributions

The IECan library is gearing up to host a remarkable bibliographical exhibition from October 29 to November 14, 2025, in celebration of the inaugural Berthelot Studies Day. This event aims to highlight the significant contributions of Sabino Berthelot, a pivotal figure in the study of the Canary Islands, and to foster a deeper understanding of his work among the public.

Exhibition Details and Significance

Entitled ‘Genealogy of a Work: Ancestry, Descendancy, and Transcendence of Ethnographie and Antiquités Canariennes’, the exhibition will take place in the events hall of the Institute of Canarian Studies on October 30 and 31, 2025. This event is not just a display of historical artifacts; it serves as a tribute to Berthelot’s enduring legacy and his influence on the fields of geography and history in the Canary Islands.

Curated Selection of Historical Works

Visitors to the exhibition can look forward to an impressive array of works drawn from the library’s extensive bibliographic collection, which is meticulously catalogued in BICA, the network of libraries across the Canary Islands. Among the highlights will be original publications that have shaped the understanding of the region’s history and culture. Notable items include the seminal work Antiquités Canariennes, published in 1879, and the influential Histoire Naturelle des Îles Canaries, co-authored by P. Barker-Webb and Sabino Berthelot in 1840. Additionally, John Barrow’s Voyage à la Cochinchine par les îles de Madère, de Ténériffe et du Cap Verd, le Brésil et l’île de Java, published in 1807, will also be featured prominently.

The exhibition has been further enhanced through a collaboration with collector Álvaro Torrealba, who has generously provided several original works that will be on display. This partnership not only enriches the exhibition but also underscores the importance of community involvement in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Canary Islands.

Educational Outreach and Student Involvement

In a bid to engage younger audiences and promote educational initiatives, the exhibition will also showcase roll-up panels as part of the project ‘Sabino Berthelot: Between Geography and History’. This initiative has been developed by Year 10 students from IES Sabino Berthelot in El Sauzal. Their involvement in this project reflects a commitment to fostering awareness of Berthelot’s contributions and ensuring that his legacy continues to resonate with future generations. The students’ work will provide valuable insights into how Berthelot’s research has shaped our understanding of the Canary Islands and its people.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

The exhibition will be open to the public free of charge, allowing everyone to explore the rich history and contributions of Sabino Berthelot. Operating hours are set from Monday to Friday between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM, with additional access during afternoon events at the Institute of Canarian Studies. This accessibility ensures that a wide audience can partake in this cultural experience.

After the exhibition concludes, all items will remain available for consultation in the reading room, which operates Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This continued access allows scholars, students, and the general public to delve deeper into the bibliographic resources associated with Berthelot’s work.

For further information, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the library’s website, where they can explore the extensive bibliographic repertoire related to this exhibition and learn more about the significance of Berthelot’s contributions to the field.

Key points

• The IECan library’s exhibition runs from October 29 to November 14, 2025.
• This event celebrates the first Berthelot Studies Day, focusing on the work of Sabino Berthelot.
• Significant historical publications related to the Canary Islands will be featured.
• Collaboration with collector Álvaro Torrealba enhances the exhibition’s offerings.
• Educational panels created by students will accompany the exhibition, promoting awareness of Berthelot’s legacy.
• The event is free and open to the public during specified hours, encouraging community engagement.