Recent research has revealed that the woodwork in this room was painted to look like mid-oak wood- grain; a technique known as ‘graining’, now skilfully reproduced. The books on the shelves are volumes that we know or believe that the Gaskells either owned or read. The evidence for reconstructing the Gaskells’ book collection comes from various historical and literary sources, including the 1914 catalogue of books sold after Meta’s death, references in Elizabeth’s works and letters, and the records of books and periodicals borrowed from the Portico Library. Like all active libraries, the Gaskells’ Library is not complete, and is part of a continuing process of research and acquisition at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House.