Some years before his death, John William Cruickshank (1842-1918), longstanding member of the BSR, decided to bequeath his collection of photographs and books to the BSR. The over 5,576 photographic prints together with some nitrate negatives and about 1,000 volumes that are now part of the Library, found their new home in Rome.

The main subject of the Cruickshank Collection is the Middle Ages, with a particular interest in the European Romanesque period. However, there are also photographs depicting the frescoes of the Roman catacombs and the archaeological findings in the Museo Gregoriano Profano, which were preserved in the Lateran Palace at that time.

Between the end of 19th century and the beginning of 20th century, John Cruickshank documented mainly medieval architecture, sculpture and religious buildings from Italy, France, England and Spain, with a special emphasis on the sacred iconography, particularly from medieval bestiaries. Many of the photographs concern buildings not yet subject to the extensive restoration work carried out in the early 20th century. The collection also includes a large number of photographs of illuminated manuscripts from the most important libraries in Europe.