Minutes, correspondence, papers, and publications. 1948-57, 1969.
Council appointed an Exploratory Committee 'to consider means of promoting the ethnological study of Great Britain' in June 1948 which was replaced in Dec. 1948 by a joint standing committee with representatives from other interested bodies. The following year in Apr. 1949, the Committee was formally named the British Ethnography Committee and charged to investigate the possibilities of establishing a Museum of English Life and Traditions. Prof. H.J. Fleure was the convenor and Chairman of both committees and T.W. Bagshawe, Deputy Chairman, later Chairman in 1950. During 1949-50, A scheme for the development of a Museum of English Life and Traditions and Suggestions concerning classification, storage, and labelling of objects illustrating English life and traditions were published. After the Committee's application to the Pilgrim Trust for financial assistance was refused in Feb. 1952 (see 59/7), T.W. Bagshawe resigned as Chairman, and Prof. Fleure again resumed the Chairmanship from 1953-4 when Sir Robert Hyde succeeded him and the committee was enlarged. A series of public lectures was arranged in 1954 (see 59/10). In 1958, with Adrian Digby as Chairman, the Committee recommended the revision and expansion of the membership and the setting up of at least two subscription-committees, including one on material culture and another on social anthropology. Adrian Digby was Chairman of the Material Culture Sub-Committee and J.G. Jenkins, Hon. Secretary, its policy being to coordinate the regional collections of folk material and the setting up of a central archive. Under Dr V.G. Sheddick, Hon. Secretary - Convenor of the Social anthropology Sub-Committee, the sub-committee's aim was to compile a list of individuals and institutions engaged in social studies of British community life and to compile a selected annotated bibliography of published and unpublished work relating to social structure and organization (see Report of the Council, 1958-9). This committee was replaced in 1960 with a small exploratory committee consisting of Miss B.M. Blackwood, Adrian Digby (Chairman), Mrs E. Ettlinger, and Miss Barbara Jones and charged with advising Council on ways the RAI could contribute further to such studies (see Report of the Council, 1960-1). From 1961-2 to 1962 names of Committee members only appeared in the Report of the Council; thereafter there were no further references to the committee. See also Council minutes, 8 June and 7 Dec. 1948, CM/77/9, f. 534 and CM/78/3, f. 546; 8 Feb. and 5 Apr. 1949, CM/78/5, f. 554 and CM/78/7, f. 562; 13 Nov. 1951, CM/81/2, f. 642; 4 Mar. and 6 May 1952, CM/81/6, f. 654 and CM/81/8, f. 660; the last reference to the Committee was on 11 Oct. 1962, CM/92/1, f. 160 where names only of those appointed to the committee are listed.
Prior to the appointment of the British Ethnography Committee in 1948, the RAI was interested in establishing a folk museum. Following Sir Henry Miers's report to the Carnegie United Kingdom Trustees in 1928 and the report of the Royal Commission on National Museums and Galleries in 1929, Council appointed a Folklore Museum Sub-Committee in Apr. 1929 with H.J.E. Peake, Dr H.S. Harrison, W.W. Skeat, Miss M. Edith Durham, and the officers ex officio as members (see Council minutes, 30 Apr. 1929, f. 123). In May inquiries were made about Chiswick House being available for a folk museum (see Council minutes, 28 May 1929, f. 124). Sir Henry Miers and Dr R.E. Mortimer Wheeler were co-opted in June (see Council minutes, 25 June 1929, f. 126) and on 29 Oct. representatives were appointed from the Royal Society, Society of Antiquaries, Folk-lore Society, Zoological Society, Museums Association, Society of Arts, and the London Museum. The committee resolved to ask the government about implementing the proposals of the Royal Commission and whether a site could be made available in Regents Park. A deputation was received by the Minister of Education, an announcement made in Parliament, and an official committee set up to examine the project (see Report of the Council, 1930, p. ix). However, there was no further reference to the Folklore Committee in the Report of the Council, 1931 or in the following years. For information on these efforts to establish a folk museum see 'A plea for a museum of English life and traditions' by T.W. Bagshawe, Advancement of Science, 1950, vol. 7, no. 25
Sir John L. Myres informed T.W. Bagshawe in Mar. 1949 of the RAI's earlier interest in a folk museum and sent him his file on the subject (see /2/9, /3/14, and /9/13 below). There were further references to Sir John's file in Dec. 1954 when inquiries were made as to its whereabouts. Mr Bagshawe stated that he had given the file to the Assistant Secretary with the instruction that it was to be placed with the papers of the British Ethnography Committee (see /9/12-13 below). There was no trace of these papers either in 1954 or in 1993 when the papers of the British Ethnography Committee were archived.
Members of the Committee
TWBThomas W. Bagshawe (1901-76). Vice Chairman, 1948-50, succeeded Prof. H.J. Fleure as Chairman, 1950-2; RAI Vice President, 1953-5; founder (1927) and Director, Luton Public Museum
BMBMiss Beatrice M. Blackwood (1889-1975), Demonstrator in Ethnology, Pitt-Rivers Museum, Oxford; RAI Council 1939-63 passim, Vice President 1957-60
HJBH.J. Braunholtz (1888-1963), Keeper, Dept. of Oriental Antiquities and Ethnography 1938-45, and Dept. of Ethnography 1945-53, British Museum; RAI Honorary Editor 1925-34, President 1941-3
ADAdrian Digby (1909-), Keeper, Dept of Ethnography, British Museum, 1953-69; Chairman of the expanded Committee 1958-60; RAI Vice President 1961-9 passim
HJFH.J. Fleure, FRS (1877-1969), formerly Prof. of Geography, University of Manchester; RAI President 1945-7; Convenor and Chairman 1948-50, 1953-4
HSHDr H.S. Harrison (1872-1958), Curator, Horniman Museum; RAI President 1935-7
WLHDr W.L. Hildburgh, FBA (1876-1956), authority on amulets, generous benefactor to the Victoria & Albert Museum; President, Folk-Lore Society; RAI Council member 1917-47 passim
JMMDr J.M. Mogey, Reader in Geography, Reading University
ICPDr Iorwerth C. Peate, Keeper, St Fagan's Castle, National Museum of Wales
RNSR.N. Salaman, FRS (1874-1955), formerly Director, Potato Virus Research Station, University of Cambridge; author of The history and social influence of the potato, 1949; owner of an important private collection of implements
RUSR.U. Sayce, Director, University of Manchester Museum; RAI Honorary Editor 1935-8
BZSMrs Brenda Z. Seligman (1886-1965), joint author of Pagan tribes of the Nilotic Sudan, 1932; The Veddas, 1911; editor of Ainu creed and cult by N.G. Munro, 1962; member of RAI Council, 1926-65 passim, Vice President 1946-9, 1950-3, 1957-9
Later members of the Committee, 1951-9
Prof. E.G. Bowen, University College of Wales, Aberystwyth; Mrs E. Ettlinger; Dr R. Frankenberg; J.W.Y. Higgs, Curator, Museum of English Rural Life, Reading University; Sir Robert Hyde (1878-1967), Director, Industrial Welfare Society, Chairman 1954-8; Miss Barbara Jones; Dr J. Littlejohn; W.T. O'Dea, Keeper, Science Museum; Dr Alwyn Rees; Lord Rennell of Rodd; Sir E. John Russell (1872-1965); Dr V.G. Sheddick, University of Durham; Dr F.G. Vallee, School of Scottish Studies, Edinburgh; see Report of the Council, 1959/60-1962 for further names
and officers of the RAI, ex officio:
WBFWilliam B. Fagg, CMG (1914-92), Keeper, Dept. of Ethnography, British Museum 1969-74; RAI Hon. Secretary 1939-56, Honorary Editor Man 1947-65
CDFC. Daryll Forde FBA (1902-73), Prof. of Social Anthropology, University College London; RAI President 1947-9
MFM. Fortes (1906-83), Reader in Social Anthropology, University of Oxford, later William Wyse Prof. of Social Anthropology, University of Cambridge; RAI Honorary Editor 1947-52, President 1965-7
JPMJ.P. Mills, ICS (1890-1960), Hon. Director of Ethnography for Assam 1930; Advisor to the Bengal Government on administration of the Chittagong Hill Tracts 1935, etc.; Reader, School of Oriental and African Studies 1948-55; RAI President 1951-3
DHFD.H.F. Wilson (d. 1974), RAI Hon. Treasurer 1944-55
FSMiss Felicia Stallman, RAI Assistant Secretary 1941-52
Other abbreviations
A schemeA scheme for the development of a Museum of English Life and Traditions. RAI, British Ethnography Committee 1949; previously published in Man, Apr. 1949, article 49
SuggestionsSuggestions concerning classification, storage, and labelling of objects illustrating English life and traditions. RAI, British Ethnography Committee 1950
1/1948
1HJF to RUS (and ICP), 16 June - informs him of appointment of Exploratory Committee; asks for his views (tpc.)
2FS to HJF, 16 July - lists names of those appointed to the Exploratory Committee on Material Culture by Council (tpc.)
3FS to AD and others appointed to Committee, 16 July - outlines aims of committee; hopes he will agree to serve (tpc. with autogr. comment by AD)
4ICP to FS, 19 July - agrees to serve (tp.)
5TWB to FS, 19 July - ibid.
6RUS to FS, 19 July - willing to join Committee subject to the approval of the Folklore Society of which he is a Council member; considers cooperation between this Society and RAI necessary (autogr. with autogr. note by FS)
7RNS to FS, 20 July - agrees to serve (tp.)
8HJB to FS, 20 July - ibid. (tp.)
9JMM to FS, 21 July - ibid. (autogr.)
10FS, on behalf of HJF, to members of the Committee, 27 July - members thanked for agreeing to serve; representatives of the Horniman and Pitt-Rivers Museums desirable; requests news (tpc.)
11HJB and ICP note their agreement on RAI carbon of 27 July, a-b
12TWB to FS, 28 July - agrees to suggestion (tpc.)
13RNS to FS, 31 July - wishes to know who has already been appointed before giving opinion (autogr.)
14FS to RNS, 5 Aug. - names of Committee members sent (tpc.)
15HJF to WLH, 28 Sep. - has met Mrs E. Ettlinger (RAI Fellow and Folklore Society member) who indicated Prof. H.J. Rose's concern that information should be supplied and queries answered; has already discussed joint circular by RAI and Folklore Society; has urged British Association to set up a Standing Committee to help delegates; suggests weekend conferences to promote local study (tp. copy)
16FS to WLH, 13 Oct. - sends invitation to serve on Committee (tpc.)
17HSH to HJF, 20 Oct. - probably unable to attend Committee meeting; encloses views (autogr.)
18TWB to HJF, 22 Oct. - has been introduced to the Regional Director, Arts Council, by the Curator of Norwich Museum; advised to contact the Arts Director (tp. with autogr. note by HJF)
19HJF to E. Salter Davies, Carnegie United Kingdom Trust, 9 Nov. - outlines Committee's proposal to create a Standing Committee of the RAI, Folklore Society, the Scottish Society of Anthropology and Folklore and other institutions; wishes to encourage collection of implements; asks if he, with his Carnegie Trust and other connections would meet some Committee members (tp. copy with autogr. note)
20E. Salter Davies to HJF, 24 Nov. - Carnegie Trust most interested in proposals; Carnegie Trust concerned with helping existing museums and the Pilgrim Trust with new museums; suggests an approach to the latter (tp.)
21Leaflets of the Joint Committee of the Museums Association and the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust (2 printed leaflets)
22HJF to Dr Thomas Jones, CH, 26 Nov. - encloses copies of letter to E. Salter Davies and his reply; asks for comments (tpc.)
23Lord Kilmaine, Secretary, Pilgrim Trust to HJF, 30 Nov. - correspondence forwarded by Thomas Jones; wishes to learn more of proposal; suggests meeting (tp. with autogr. notes by FS)
24Note on Council's decision, 11 Dec., on Committee's recommendation of a Standing Committee (autogr. by FS)
25TWB to FS, 12 Dec. - is taking over from HJF while he is abroad; requests names, addresses, etc. of Committee members (tp.)
26RNS to FS, 16 Dec. - has met Dr Haden Guest, MP, Secretary, Leverhulme Research Fellowships, who is interested in Committee's aims; Dr Haden Guest wishes to speak to Charles Key, Minister of Works (tp. with autogr. sentence)
27TWB to FS, 17 Dec. - encloses draft of his A scheme [not present] (see /31 below) ((tp. with autogr. note)
28FS to TWB, 21 Dec. - acknowledges letter of 17 Dec. (tpc.)
29TWB to FS, 23 Dec. - encloses copy of his reply to RNS, /30 below (tp. with autogr. note)
30TWB to RNS, 23 Dec. - sees no reason why Dr Guest should not discuss scheme with the Minister of Works; will send copy of A scheme once draft is approved (copy of tp.)
31TWB to HJF, 27 Dec. - encloses copy of draft A scheme; reports on RNS's letter (tp. with autogr. comments)
2/1949
1TWB to FS, 6 Jan. - HJF suggests Prof. H.J. Rose for the Committee; asks if the latter could be the Scottish representative (tp.)
2Ibid. - willing to preside over Joint meeting of RAI and Folklore Society if required (tp.)
3Ibid. - comments on points in draft raised by FS; not happy with some of the wording; suggests Committee meeting; feels A scheme should be available as soon as possible (tp.)
4Ibid., 27 Jan. - asks for original draft of A scheme (autogr.)
5ICP to FS, 27 Jan. - comments on draft of A scheme (tpc.)
6HJF to FS, Alexandria, 13 Feb. - thinks a Racialist Committee was formed at Brussels; was then concerned about the revision of the constitution of the Congress and its relation with the International Council of Scientific Unions (see A62/8/12-13); comments on journey by flying boat; letter enclosed for G.D. Hornblower; wishes to know about covenanted subscriptions (autogr.)
7FS to HJF, 22 Feb. - no information on covenants available (tpc.)
8TWB to FS, 6 Mar. - discusses details of offprint of A scheme (tp.)
9Ibid., 22 Mar. - reports Sir John L. Myres and others had attempted similar schemes in the past; one drawn up by Sir Henry Miers (see A scheme, p. 4); design for cover received from College of Arms (tp.)
10List of names for circularization of 'Schemes for study' and dates of despatch 29 Mar. - 9 May (tpc. with autogr. notes)
11'Museum cataloguing' by R. Hull, Presidential address, South Midlands Federation, Ipswich, Apr. 1949 (mimeo.)
12TWB to FS, 5 Apr. - returns draft minutes with comments (tp.)
13Wm Clowes & Sons Ltd, Beccles, 6 Apr. - estimate for reprint from Man, Apr. 1949, A scheme; pull from device attached
14'[A] scheme for the development of a Museum of English Life and Traditions' (mimeo. with autogr. corrections)
15Ibid. - corrected proofs (with autogr. slip attached)
16Ibid. - proof correction (see also autogr. slip, /15 above)
17Ibid. - copy for cover and prelims
18Ibid., 10 Apr. - returns Clowes's estimate for offprint of A Scheme from Man (see /13 above); mentions number of copies and pulls from blocks (tp.)
19Ibid., 3 May - asks if letter of 25 Apr. received [not in file; ?10 Apr.] requesting pulls; information required for Folklore (tp. with autogr. note)
20Ibid., 24 May - returns proof; notes, corrections and additions (tp.)
21FS to TWB, 3 June - copy for offprint sent back for printing; draft letter to Museum curators circulated to Committee members (tpc.)
22WLH to TWB, 6 June - replies to draft letter to Museum curators; lists amendments (autogr.)
23BMB to TWB, 6 June - replies to draft letter; difficulty of existing museums storing material for new museum; suggests alternative arrangement (tp.)
24FS to WLH, 7 June - apologises for the omission of his name from list of members; proofs corrected in great haste (tpc.)
25TWB to BMB, 8 June - acknowledges letter of 6 June (/23 above)
26BMB to TWB, 10 June - on lack of storage space (autogr. pc)
27Mrs H.A. Lake Barnett, Hon. Secretary, Folklore Society to WBF, 29 June - on the omission in the Report of the Council, 1948-9 of the names of WLH and BMB, both members of the Folklore Society (tp.); on verso draft reply by WBF (autogr.)
28FS to TWB, 29 June - reports arrival of offprints; has file of replies to draft letter to Museum curators (tpc.)
29BMB to FS, 30 June - approves the appearance of the offprint; requests extra copies (tp.)
30TWB to FS, 1 July - has received no offprints; extra copies required by ICP and RNS (tp.)
31FS to Committee members except BMB and RNS, 2 July - to avoid duplication requests members to send list of anyone to whom they send the offprint (tpc.); note on new President attached (autogr.)
32FS to BMB, 2 July - cost of printing borne by anonymous benefactor, i.e. TWB; asks for names of anyone to whom an offprint is sent (tpc.)
33TWB to FS, 3 July - acknowledges offprints; asks about any alteration to circular letter to museum curators; will pay, anonymously, for printing, envelopes, and postage (tp.)
34ICP to FS, 5 July - has asked TWB for extra copies of offprints; cannot yet give names of recipients (tp.)
35FS to (Prof. Sir) E.E. Evans Pritchard, RAI President 1949-51, 5 July - sends information on the Committee as he assumes the Presidency (tpc.)
36TWB to FS, 6 July - encloses cheque on settlement of Clowes's account; names two to whom he has sent offprint (tp.)
37WLH to FS, 9 July - lists names to whom he will send offprints (autogr.)
38FS to Mrs Lake Barnett, 12 July - replies to letter of 29 June (/27 above) (tpc.)
39FS to BMB, 13 July - apologises for the omission of her name from the Report of the Council, 1948-9 (tpc.)
40BMB to FS, 15 July - comments on the omission of her name; will send list of names later; too busy trying to finish her book, i.e. The technology of a modern stone age people in New Guinea, 1950 (tp.)
41RNS to FS, 15 July - on names of those to be sent offprints (tp.)
42FS to National Trust, 21 July - sends copy of offprint; on possible temporary storage by the Trust; wishes to discuss the matter (tpc.)
43RNS to FS, 25 July - requests additional copies of offprint (tp.)
44National Trust to HJF, 25 July - interested in plans; would probably need to ask for rent on storage space (tp. with autogr. note)
45Lord Kilmaine, Secretary, Pilgrim Trust to TWB, 27 July - considers a discussion would be useful; suggests mid-Sep. (tp.)
46FS to Pilgrim Trust, 30 July - acknowledges letter of 27 July (/45 above); will write again in mid Sep. (tpc. with note to HJF); see /75 below
47List of names to whom A scheme was posted, 16 Aug. - 27 Sep. (tp.)
48TWB to FS, 5 Aug. - requests copy of device for English Museum; required for British Association meeting; will query the missing stirrups from the device with the College of Heralds (tp.)
49Ibid., 15 Aug. - requests copy of device to be sent to artist; copies of A scheme to be taken to British Association meeting (tp.)
50Ibid., 17 Aug. - suggests 150 copies of A scheme for the British Association; recommends sending covering letter to Museum curators 'forthwith' (tp.)
51TWB to HJF, 21 Aug. - acknowledges draft of letter to Pilgrim Trust; refers to JMM and Miss Buck, Manchester Museum and their views on classification; refers to British Association meeting in Newcastle; asks how to describe objects when asking for help from the Vannes Museum (tp. with sketch of object)
52Draft letter from HJF to Pilgrim Trust (autogr.)
53HJF to Pilgrim Trust, 25 Aug. - would value opportunity to meet him in early Oct.; National Trust requires rent for any storage space; scheme for labelling and registering objects drawn up; mentions possible scheme to minimise cost (tpc.)
54Draft covering letter to Museum curators for circulation with a copy of A scheme; note by TWB attached (mimeo. with autogr. annotations)
55Ibid.; with autogr. amendments by HJF
56Covering letter to Museum curators from HJF for circulation with a copy of A scheme, 26 Aug. (tp.) (2 copies)
57Replies to the letter of 26 Aug. above from:
aBristol. City Museum, 12 Sep., 28 Sep. (annotations by TWB)
bCheltenham. Art Gallery and Museum, 30 Aug.
cGloucester. Folk Museum, 12 Sep.
dGreenwich. National Maritime Museum, 29 Aug.
eHereford. City Library, Museum, Art Gallery and Old House, 30 Aug.
fIpswich. Museum of Natural History, Ethnology and Archaeology, 8 Sep.
gLancaster. Public Library, Museums and Art Gallery, 29 Aug.
hLondon. Guildhall Library, 29 Aug.
iIbid. Science Museum, 13 Sep.
iiIbid. Wellcome Historical Medical Museum, 14 Sep.
jManchester. City Art Gallery, 5 Sep.
kIbid. University Museum, 29 Aug.
lNorwich. Castle Museum, 29 Aug.
m[Oxford. Pitt-Rivers Museum] from BMB, 10 Sep. (pc.)
nReading. Museum and Art Gallery, 29 Aug.
oMrs Margaret Lambert to RAI, 3 Sep. - has just heard of RAI Committee; is very interested (tp.)
And acknowledgements (not retained) from: Bath, Victoria Art Gallery and Municipal Libraries; Brighton, Art Gallery and Museum; Canterbury, Royal Museum and Public Library; Cardiff, National Museum of Wales; Cardiff, Welsh Folk Museum; Castleford, Public Library and Museum; Hove, Public Library and Museum; Jersey, Société Jersiaise; Leeds, Temple Newsam House; Leicester, City Museum and Art Gallery; London, Horniman Museum and Library; Port Sunlight, Lady Lever Art Gallery; Shrewsbury, Public Library and Museum; Swansea, Royal Institution of South Wales; York, Castle Museum
58Mrs M.M. Banks to RAI, 26 Aug. - has received a copy of A Scheme; with publication of the JRAI three years in arrears; questions the wisdom of embarking on such an expensive scheme; doubts whether the six Folklore Society members of the Committee represent 'the real Folklore element'; considers it unwise to copy the Scandinavian out-of-door museums (autogr.); see /66 below for reply
59Pilgrim Trust to FS, 26 Aug. - acknowledges letter of 25 Aug. (/53 above); suggests meeting with Lord Kilmaine in Oct. (tp.)
60FS to Pilgrim Trust, 1 Sep. - acknowledges letter of 26 Aug.; notes date of meeting
61Message to Section H from the President, British Association, 3 Sep. - regrets cannot attend TWB's address 'A plea for a museum of English life and traditions'; warmly supports 'the idea of an English museum', signed E.J. Russell (Sir E. John Russell, FRS) (tp.); and copy (tp.)
62Press cuttings on TWB's paper at the British Association:
a2 Sep. Cambridge Daily News (2 copies)
b3 Sep. The Times (Ibid.)
c8 Sep. Luton News
d9 Sep. Bedfordshire Times & Independent (2 copies)
63TWB to HJF, 22 Sep. - encloses batch of letters arising from the press coverage and copies of his replies (tp., tpc.)
aCapt. A.B. Dale (tp.), enclosing a copy of his 'A suggestion for an English War Memorial', (mimeo.), 3 Sep.; and reply, 11 Sep.
bH.F. Hilton, 3 Sep. (autogr.); and reply, 11 Sep.
cC. Birdwood Willcocks, 5 Sep. (tp.); and reply, 11 Sep.
dIbid., 16 Sep. (tp.); and reply, 27 Sep.
eVictor Talton, 5 Sep. (autogr.); and reply, 11 Sep.
64FS to TWB, 22 Sep. - account for covering letter to Museum curators enclosed for anonymous benefactor, i.e. TWB (tpc.)
65FS to Sir Robert Witt, 24 Sep. - wishes to discuss project with him (tpc.)
66FS to Mrs M.M. Banks, 24 Sep. - acknowledges letter of 26 Aug. (see /58 above); criticisms noted; RAI intends to obtain financial support and not to spend its own funds (tpc.)
67TWB to FS, 26 Sep. - encloses cheque (see /64 above); had prepared a water-colour drawing of an English Museum for his British Association talk; asks if he may deposit it at the RAI (tp.)
68BMB to FS, 26 Sep. - asks for a copy of A Scheme to be sent to F.W. Robins (autogr.); sent 28 Sep.
69Sir Robert Witt to FS, 27 Sep. - replies to /65 above; regrets he is unable to take an active part in affairs (autogr.)
70Ministry of Town and Country Planning Library to RAI, 29 Sep. - requests copy of TWB's address to the British Association, i.e. 'A plea for a museum of English life and traditions' (tp.); verso: acknowledgement from the Ministry
71FS to TWB, 29 Sep. - acknowledges cheque; will accept his drawing of the English Museum (see /67 above) (tpc.)
72FS to Sir Robert Witt, 30 Sep. - regrets to hear of his ill-health; had hoped he would be able to give advice informally (see /69 above) (tpc.)
73F.W. Robins to RAI, 30 Sep. - mentions his books on the camp, water supply, and bridges and his collections; will be interested to hear of the progress of the scheme (see /68 above)
74FS to TWB, 30 Sep. - informs him of the interest expressed by Margaret Lambert and Enid Marx, authorities on English popular art; wishes him to meet them; Enid Marx wishes to join RAI (tpc.)
75Report by HJF on a conversation with Lord Kilmaine, Secretary, Pilgrim Trust, 5 Oct. - Lord Kilmaine sympathetic; he urged that a modest scheme for collection and storage should be established; salaried staff should be avoided for some years; hoped free residence for curator would be offered at the place of storage; suggested the Committee should be widened to include public in touch with country houses (autogr.)
76TWB to FS, 7 Oct. - draft of Suggestions almost ready for final decision; names for a good museum representative need careful consideration (tp.)
77TWB to HJF, 7 Oct. - will do his best to see the scheme is not encumbered with a high salaried officer; care needs to be taken with the Museum Association and an appointment; thinks Sir Cyril Fox may oppose any centralised scheme; Sir E. John Russell ideal on the agricultural side; Dr Joan Evans a possibility; agrees it is undesirable to ask for a grant for publishing Suggestions (tpc.)
78Draft letter from HJF to Sir Cyril Fox, 11 Oct. (autogr.)
79HJF to Sir Cyril Fox, 11 Oct. - outlines work of exploratory committee; hopes to transform it into a committee able to negotiate storage space etc.; hopes to retire from chairmanship; would be grateful for his views (tpc.)
80RAI to Committee, 13 Oct. - on the appointment of members (tpc.)
81WLH to FS, 14 Oct. - glad to serve on Committee (autogr. pc) acceptances (not retained) also from: ICP, 15 Oct.; BMB, 15 Oct.; TWB, 17 Oct.; RUS, 17 Oct.; RNS, 20 Oct.
82FS to TWB, 14 Oct. - reports on the enthusiasm of Miss Lambert and Miss Enid Marx; they suggest a temporary exhibition to stimulate interest during the Festival of Britain; considers proposal should be considered seriously (tpc.); see also /74 above and /84 below
83J.A. Daniell, Assistant Keeper of Antiquities, Museums and Art Gallery, Leicester to RAI, 15 Oct. - building up a collection of local material; handicapped by lack of storage space for larger objects; is compiling a questionnaire; will retain duplicate material; would be glad to be of assistance (tp. with attached note); letter acknowledged, 22 Oct. (not retained)
84TWB to FS, 17 Oct. - replies to letter of 14 Oct. (/82 above); considered by himself and HJF; WBF has already suggested an exhibition during Festival of Britain; both he and HJF approve of the aim; they both consider the present is not a good time to launch an appeal; policy of gradually creating interest has approval of Pilgrim Trust; taking steps to strengthen the Committee (tp.)
85Mrs H.J. Fleure to FS, 18 Oct. - HJF in Egypt until May 1950 and unable to attend Committee meetings; sends apologies (autogr. pc)
86FS to TWB, 18 Oct. - understands policy adopted by himself and HJF; has not heard from WBF of his scheme; encloses letters received [not present] (tpc.)
86a[HJF] to Sir E. John Russell, 30 Oct. - reports Lord Kilmaine thinks the Pilgrim Trust should give 'substantial help'; hopes to form a group to which grant would be made; his name, Lord Harlech and Sir Cyril Fox suggested; hopes TWB will take charge if the scheme is implemented; asks him to consider the matter (copy of tp.)
87FS to HJF, 1 Nov. - reports on his Presidential Address and completion of details; Encyclopaedia Britannica dealing with his article (tpc.)
88FS to TWB, 1 Nov. - reports Miss Enid Marx phoned; passed on information on the Marylebone Society, individuals approached; inquires about Sir Cyril Fox's letter (tpc. with autogr. note)
89TWB to FS, 2 Nov. - Sir Cyril Fox's letter forwarded to HJF; trying to complete draft Suggestions (tp.)
90Hon. Curator, Curtis Museum, Alton, Hants to RAI, 5 Nov. - reports on the Museum's agricultural, craftsmen's and tradesmen's tools section; wishes to know how they can help (autogr.); letter acknowledged, 11 Nov. (not retained)
91Victoria and Albert Museum Library to RAI, 7 Nov. - requests copy of A scheme (tp.); also requests or acceptances (not retained) from: Lincoln Public Libraries, Museum and Art Gallery, 21, 24 Nov.; Sir David Russell, 22 Nov. and reply 25 Nov.; Lancaster Public Library, Museums and Art Gallery, 24 Nov.; Wakefield City Art Gallery and Museum, 30 Nov.
92TWB to FS, 10 Nov. - encloses draft Suggestions [not present]; approved by HJF before departure; several Committee members still to see draft; then possible to hold a full Committee meeting (tp.)
93FS to TWB, 11 Nov. - has heard Festival of Britain is planning an English Victorian and Edwardian art show; person in charge has approached Miss Lambert and Miss Marx; Council decide against an exhibition in 1950; mentions a possible site for the museum in Dulwich (tpc.)
94RNS to FS, 11 Nov. - encloses ticket for Building Exhibition; representation of a saw-pit being erected (tp. with autogr. note); RAI reply, 15 Nov. (not retained)
95FS to HSH, 15 Nov. - encloses draft copy of Suggestions; asks him to forward it to RNS (tpc.)
96RNS to FS, 24 Nov. - encloses copy of letter to TWB (/97 below) (tp. with autogr. note of the Queen viewing the saw-pit at the Building Exhibition); reply 1 Dec. (not retained)
97RNS to TWB, 24 Nov. - comments on the saw-pit and the Queen's interest; approves of the draft of Suggestions but notes omissions and too much detail in places (tpc.)
97aLord Kilmaine to HJF, 28 Nov. - acknowledges letter of 21 Nov. and correspondence with Lord Harlech [not present]; clear he does not wish to cooperate and has misinterpreted the plans; he (Lord Kilmaine) understood present plans were only for collection and storage; suggests Dr Joan Evans should be approached from the academic view-point and not through the Pilgrim Trust (tp.)
98Sheffield Trades Historical Society to RAI, 29 Nov. - requests copies of A scheme; Society collects Sheffield tools and machinery; has extensive store (tp.); reply 1 Dec. (not retained)
99Francis J. Cooper, Director, Lincoln Public Libraries, Museum and Art Gallery to RAI, 30 Nov. - has sent a copy of A Scheme to Lord Monson; he is interested in preserving the English tradition, and has provided accommodation for the museum's large exhibits (tp. with RAI autogr. note); reply 2 Dec. (not retained)
100FS to TWB, 1 Dec. - note on minutes of Exhibition Committee, its approval of an English Traditional Exhibition in 1951 and Council's likely response; suggests first consideration is space for it, type of exhibition and cost (tpc.)
102TWB to FS, 6 Dec. - notes meeting of Committee on 21 Dec. and agenda (tp. with autogr. notes by FS)
103ICP to FS, 10 Dec. - regrets unable to attend meeting (autogr. pc); also (not retained) from: RUS, 12 Dec.
104Sir David Russell to FS, 19 Dec. - acknowledges receipt of A scheme; expects to receive a copy of ICP's lecture from the Royal Society of Arts (tp.)
105FS to TWB, 22 Dec. - encloses minutes of Committee on 21 Dec.; hopes he will attend Council on 10 Jan.; hopes printer's estimate for Suggestions will be ready for Council (tpc.)
106Prof. Sir John L. Myres to [TWB], 25 Dec. - has heard from HJF that he would like to discuss the proposed museum; will be very glad to see him (autogr.)
107TWB to FS, 28 Dec. - replies to letter of 22 Dec. (/105 above); has amended minutes slightly; Suggestions will not be ready for next meeting; BMB wishes to see it; cannot manage both Council meetings; by Feb. meeting hopes to have more information; encloses list of recipients of A scheme (see /100 above) (tp.)
108-21Correspondence between TWB and Miss A.M. Buck (AMB), Curator, Gallery of English Costume, Platt Hall, Manchester on the draft of Suggestions, 6 Aug. 1949 - 27 Jan. 1950
109TWB to AMB, 6 Aug. 1949 - asks her to comment on his notes on storage methods (tpc.)
110Notes on costume (tpc.)
111AMB to TWB, 8 Aug. - outlines storage methods used at Platt Hall (tp.)
112TWB to AMB, 15 Aug. - acknowledges her helpful letter of 8 Aug. (/111 above); comments on clothes hanger (tpc.)
113Ibid., 15 Aug. - encloses list of proposed headings covering dress and accessories (tpc.); see /114 below
114Headings for dress and accessories (tpc.)
115AMB to TWB, 17 Aug. - gives permission to quote anything of interest; notes on hanger should quote Metropolitan Museum of Art as source; interested in his classification; would like to see final draft (tp.)
116Notes on costume hanger (tp.)
117Illustration of costume hanger by AMB with notes by her (autogr.)
118AMB comments on classification (tp. with autogr. notes)
119TWB to AMB, 18 Aug. - grateful for all her notes; anxious to work with her on the classification; refers to Museum, Vol. 2, No. 1, 1949 devoted to Swedish museums with notes on costume display (tpc.)
120Ibid, 26 Jan. 1950 - sends her final sections on costume approved by Committee; asks for any amendments; her collaboration noted in booklet; illustrative material such as photographs should be included under relative headings (tpc.)
121AMB to TWB, 27 Jan. - thinks classification of costume satisfactory solution; reference to her collaboration correct but feels it is undeserved (tp.)
3/1950
1Sir E. John Russell (EJR) to TWB, 12 Jan. - would be pleased to discuss proposed Museum; would like to see one started (tp.)
2TWB to EJR, 20 Jan. - would like to visit him when the weather improves; will write again (tpc.)
3TWB to Prof. Sir John L. Myres (JLM), 20 Jan. - replies to invitation of 25 Dec. (/2/106 above); hopes to visit him soon; would have to be a Sat. (tpc.)
4JLM to TWB, 21 Jan. - Sat. a convenient day (autogr. pc.)
5R.G. Pratt to RAI, 16 Feb. - requests 2 copies of A scheme; interested in certain agricultural implements; hopes to get others interested (tp.)
6TWB to EJR, 5 Mar. - suggests 18 Mar. for meeting (tpc.); see /3/1-2 above
7ES to TWB, 8 Mar. - returns printing estimate for Suggestions; on comments on TWB's generosity in offering to bear costs; gives views on pricing of pamphlet
8EJR to TWB, 9 Mar. - 18 Mar. convenient for meeting; gives directions to his house (autogr.)
9TWB to JLM, 13 Mar. - suggests 18 Mar. for meeting (tpc.)
10JLM to TWB, 14 Mar. - 18 Mar. convenient for meeting (autogr. pc.)
11Notes on the interview with JLM, 18 Mar. (tp.)
12Ibid with EJR, 18 Mar. (tp.)
13JLM to TWB, 21 Mar. - has written to Dr Joan Evans; is unwilling to serve as a Trustee; BMB is sending his file on the 1930-1 folk museum project (autogr.)
14 TWB to JLM, 22 Mar. - acknowledges receipt of papers on folk museum project; EJR has agreed to serve on the Committee and to act as a Trustee (tpc.)
15ES to TWB, 20 Apr. - sends proof of Suggestions (tpc.)
16TWB to ES, [23 May] - has sent 950 manila 'bags' for posting Suggestions (tp. pc.)
17ES to TWB, 10 July - HJF recovering from accident; hopes to be fit for work by Sept.; next Committee probably not until Oct; suggests Report on Royal Commission on Historic Houses may be of interest (tpc.)
18ES to HJF, 11 July - hopes he will continue to make progress; will write to TWB, Lord Kilmaine and RNS (tpc.)
19FS to Lord Kilmaine, Pilgrim Trust, 11 July - owing to HJF's accident meeting will have to be postponed (tpc.)
20Lord Kilmaine to ES, 12 July - regrets to hear of HJE's accident; looks forward to meeting him later (tp.)
21RNS's secretary to FS, 12 July - RNS in Sweden; will write on his return (tp. pc.)
22TWB to ES, 12 July - asks for details of HJF's accident and his address; cannot manage Committee meetings until his thesis is nearly finished; Report seems to have ignored English Museum (see /17 above) (tp.)
23FS to TWB, 14 July - reports on HJF's accident; gives his address (tpc.)
24FS to TWB, 1 Aug. - 20 copies of Suggestions have arrived and look 'very nice'; asks about complimentary copies; proposes putting an advertisement in Man (tpc.)
25TWB to FS, 2 Aug. - relieved to see copies of Suggestions; outlines costs of printing (1000 copies printed), postage, distribution etc.; asks for printer's account to be sent to him (tp.)
26BMB to FS, 7 Aug. - has received a copy of Suggestions from JWB; encloses stamps for Pitt Rivers Museum copy (tp.)
27Note from TWB on time needed for his thesis, c. 11 Aug. (tp. pc.)
28TWB to Leagrave Press, Luton, 11 Aug. - protests at increase of 40% above estimate; asks for observations (tpc.)
29ES to TWB, 16 Aug. - hopes he obtains satisfaction from printer; otherwise the selling price will be incorrect (tpc.)
30TWB to FS, 17 Aug. - has not heard from printers as Director is away; sales should be continued; asks for a review copy to be sent to Antiquity (tp. pc.)
31TWB to FS, 29 Aug. - printer has agreed that the extra cost should be cancelled (tp. pc.)
32HJF to FS, 14 Sept. - has sent short note to The Times; wishes he were fitter; hoping to be replaced as Chairman; feels he must try to see Secretary, Pilgrim Trust soon; support needed for storage policy; interested in the Kontiki voyage [by Thor Heyerdahl] (autogr.)
33FS to HJF, 23 Sept. - his note to The Times not published but Mrs Lake Barnett's was [Folklore Society] (see 42d below), a 'lamentable thing'; would be very sorry if he finally decided to resign the Chairmanship; would prefer to leave the matter until next Committee (tpc.)
34FS to TWB, 23 Sept. - encloses cutting of Mrs Lake Barnett's letter; unfortunate that it should deal with RAI affairs (tpc.)
35TWB to WBF, 24 Sept. - has been trying to avoid third application for deferment of his thesis; has no time to write to The Times; agrees with FS that Mrs Lake Barnett should be sent a copy of A scheme (tp pc.)
36TWB to FS, 25 Sept. - has cuttings of The Times correspondence; best policy to wait until 'world affairs' and 'threats of increased income tax' are settled before launching their scheme; cannot do anything further until his thesis and book are completed; his hobby has made inroads into his savings; needs to earn money again; does not take 'these spasms of correspondence' too seriously; gives his views on Mrs Lake Barnett's letter; considers WBF should write to her; his views may be quoted at next Council meeting (tp. with autogr. note)
37HJF to FS, 25 Sept. - agrees to remain on Committee for the present; encloses another draft letter for The Times; is visiting some friends to see how he progresses (autogr.); the letter was not published; see also /40 below
38TWB to FS, [25 Sept.] - asks for copy of A scheme to be sent to Mrs Jean Mellanby (see /42b below); inquires if Committee was notified of publication date of Suggestions (tp, pc.)
39Circular to members of the Committee announcing the publication of Suggestions (tpc.)
40Copy of letter to The Times from HJF - (a) Draft (autogr. with autogr. amendments by WBF); (b-c) 2 copies of tpc.; the letter was not published
41FS to TWB, 30 Sept. - acknowledges his letter of 25 Sept. (/36 above); agrees with his views on Mrs Lake Barnett's letter; HJF has prepared another letter to The Times; he stresses importance of acquiring storage space (tpc.)
42Article, letters to The Times and leader: (a) 29 Aug. The folk museum: Scandinavian society through the centuries; (b) letters: 9 Sept. from Jean Copeland Mellanby; (c) 13 Sept. from James Nowell, and from A.H.R. Christian; (d) 19 Sept. from Mrs H.A. Lake Barnett, Hon. Secretary, Folk-Lore Society; (e) 25 Sept. from D. Dilwyn John, Director, National Museum of Wales, and leader, Folk museums
43FS to members of the Committee appointed by Council, 7 Oct. - notifies appointment (tpc.)
44HJF to WBF, 8 Oct. - suggests meeting of Committee to consider future policy; Sir E. John Russell (EJR) has agreed to help; possibility of Pilgrim Trust support for scheme of storage and classification; for health reasons would like to give up the Chairmanship (autogr. with autogr. notes by FS)
45TWB to FS, 10 Oct. - willing to serve again on the Committee (tp. pc.); also acceptances (not retained) from: BMB, RNS, RUS, 10-16 Oct.
46FS to HJF, 17 Oct. - asks if he will Chair the meeting between Dr L.S.B. Leakey and Prof. W.E. Le Gros Clark on 31 Oct. (tpc.)
46aFS to BMB, 20 Oct. - expresses concern at lack of progress over English museum; asks her to raise the matter at the Committee (tpc.)
47Revd Harcourt Lightburne to FS, 27 Oct. - acknowledges copy of A scheme and the advice on membership (autogr.)
48Keeper of Circulation, Victoria & Albert Museum, 6 Nov. - requests copy of A scheme (tp.)
49FS to HJF, 8 Nov. - reports on Prof. G.H. Green's election as Fellow; refers to Council's regret at his resignation as Chairman; TWB to succeed him (tpc.)
50FS to Miss Maud Karpeles, 10 Nov. - informs her of the work of the Committee; mentions a similar RAI project and her knowledge of it; wishes to include more public figures on the Committee; would like to discuss this with her (tpc.)
51FS to HJF, 10 Nov. - encloses draft minutes [not present]; lists of names of those to be approached (tp. with autogr. reply by HJF)
52FS to TWB, 11 Nov. - refers to HJF's resignation and TWB's successor as Chairman (tpc.)
53Sir David Russell to ICP, 17 Nov. - regrets confusion caused by his first letter; wishes a copy of A scheme; has discussed provision of folk museums with others interested in the subject (tp.); see also /56-7, 61-2 below
54RNS to HJF, 20 Nov. - sends notice of exhibition of a wheelwright's shop at the Science Museum (see /55 below) (autogr.)
55Press notice of 'An early wheelwright's shop' (see /54 above) (mimeo.)
56Sir David Russell to FS, 20 Nov. - regrets confusion over his request; wishes to have a copy of A scheme (tp. with draft reply on verso); see also /53 above and /57, 61-2 below)
57ICP to FS, 20 Nov. - has received enclosed letter from Sir David Russell (see /53 above) (tp. with draft reply)
58FS to HJB, 22 Nov. - reminds him of his promise to approach Lord Crawford (tpc.)
59HJB to FS, 24 Nov. - has spoken to Lord Crawford; he is in sympathy with Committee's aims; he thinks Pilgrim Trust will be interested; suggests not mentioning his name; he would support any RAI applications; thinks the National Trust has houses available and suitable for storage (autogr.)
60RNS to ES, 1 Dec. - requests copies of A scheme (tp.)
61FS to ICP, 2 Dec. - glad confusion about Sir David Russell's request is cleared (tpc.); see also /53, 56-7 above and /62 below
62FS to [Sir David Russell], 2 Dec. - has now sent A scheme (tpc.); see also /53, 56-7, 61 above
63ES to TWB, 28 Dec. - reports on her talk with Dr Joan Evans; she agrees Committee needs strengthening; suggests houses accepted in lieu of death duties as possible for storage; and suggests further names of people to be approached (tpc.)
4/Dec. 1949 - May 1950. Viewing property
1Gosfield Hall, Essex - description of property issued by C.M. Stanford & Son, Colchester, auctioneers, estate agents, etc. (mimeo.)
2Layer Marney Hall Estate to be sold by auction, 9 Aug. 1949 - description of property to be auctioned by Messrs C.M. Stanford & Son, Colchester and Messrs Kemsleys, London and Romford (illus. brochure with map)
3Layer Marney Hall for sale by private treaty by Messrs. C.M. Stanford & Sons, Colchester - description of property (illus. brochure)
4Estate Agents, C.M. Stanford & Son, Colchester to Estate Agents, Duncan Clark & Beckett, 7 Dec. - on price asked for Gosfield Hall (tp.)
5TWB to Estate Agents, 13 Dec. - wishes to see Gosfield Hall and Layer Marney Hall (tpc.)
6Estate Agents to TWB, 14 Dec. - notes TWB will view properties in the New Year; encloses additional photographs of Layer Marney Hall (tp.)
7Ibid, 1 Feb. 1950 - inquiries about viewing the properties (tp.)
8TWB to Estate Agents, 21 Feb. - names date for viewing Layer Marney Hall; considers Gosfield Hall too isolated (tpc.)
9Estate Agents to TWB, 22 Feb. - makes arrangement for viewing (tp.)
10Ibid, 3 Mar. - following visit to Layer Marney Hall has written to Mrs E.M.M. Campbell and her son, Major Campbell; requests two more copies of A scheme (tp.)
11TWB to Estate Agents, 4 Mar. - sends two copies of A scheme, and proof of his British Association paper; wishes return of latter (tpc.)
12Estate Agents to TWB, 7 Mar. - acknowledges receipt of A scheme and proof; sending latter to Mrs Campbell and former to Major Campbell (tp.)
13Ibid, 9 Mar. - confirms appointment for meeting between TWB and Mrs Campbell at 21 Bedford Square (tp.)
14Notes on meeting between TWB and Mrs Campbell, 15 Mar. (tp.)
15Estate Agents to TWB, 21 Apr. - reports Mrs Campbell prepared to accept £18,000 (tp.)
16TWB to Estate Agents, 30 Apr. - appreciates trouble taken by the firm; the figure asked 'is quite out of the question'; for £20,000 could find property more conveniently placed; possibility of obtaining property free of all cost (tpc.)
17Estate Agents to TWB, 1 May - will pass his letter of 30 Apr. to Mrs Campbell (tp.)
18Mrs Campbell to TWB, 14 May - returns proof; regrets he has turned down Layer Marney Hall (autogr.)
5/1951, Jan. - Oct.
1HJB to TWB, 3 Jan. - thanks him for his congratulations [on his CBE]; hopes 1951 will see good progress on Committee's aims (autogr.)
2FS to TWB, 15 Jan. - informs him of Council's appointment of Sir E. John Russell to Committee; asks who should write to him (tpc.)
3Lord Rennell of Rod to HJF, 16 Jan. - pleased to be appointed to Committee; reports on the amount of material available in Herefordshire; problem is storage (tp.)
4HJF to FS, 17 Jan. - refers to his banker's orders; reports on exchange of letters with Lord Rennell and encloses his last (/3 above); does not refer to his resignation from RAI (autogr.)
5TWB to FS, 16 Jan. - preferable for HJF to write to Sir E. John Russell; suggests HJF should explain reason for his resignation as Chairman and his (TWB's) inability to take an active part at present; must finish his thesis and book; his wife is ill; has to take the Assizes three days a week; will come for a talk about Dr Joan Evans (autogr.)
6HJF to FS, 20 Jan. - reports Sir E. John Russell in Pakistan and Lord Rennell on way to Australia; when former returns will inquire if he could ask the Duke of Northumberland to join the Committee; glad to know of Dr Joan Evans's sympathy (autogr.)
7FS to TWB, 24 Jan. - sorry to hear of his troubles; has asked HJF to write to Sir E. John Russell (see /2 and 5 above) (tpc.)
8Ibid, 25 Jan. - encloses letter on a Romany caravan (see /9 below) (autogr.)
9Edith Cunningham to RAI, [23? Jan.] - describes caravan; wishes to sell (autogr.)
10TWB to Edith Cunningham, 28 Jan. - Committee anxious about preservation of such objects; unable to consider matter at present; will remember offer when possible (tpc.)
11TWB to FS [28? Jan.] - refers to accumulation of tasks; must wait until thesis is complete (tp. pc.)
12TWB to IPC, 28 Jan. - acknowledges letter on the formation of a Museum of English Rural Life at Reading University; suggests existence of RAI Committee should be mentioned; wishes them success; pleased to do what he can after March (tpc.)
13TWB to JMM, 28 Jan. - refers to article in Man (see 'Primitive transport vehicles in Ulster' by JMM and G.B. Thompson, Man, Jan. 1951, Item 3); glad of information on the Reading project; Committee must assist them (tpc.)
14'A museum of rural life: Reading University venture', The Times, 31 Jan. 1951, p. 3(clipping)
15'As one countryman to another: museums and country life', The Countryman, Vol. 43, spring 1951, pp. 167-72 (offprint)
16Note on the Henry Smith Charity, 10 May (autogr.)
17TWB to FS, 10 June - inquires about advertisement in the Museums Journal and despatch of review copy of Suggestions (tp. with notes by FS); see /21 below for reply
18FS to Sir John L. Myres, 31 July - acknowledges packet of reviews; grant received for the Blood Group Centre; would prefer another name for English Museum (tpc.)
19Acting Curator, Castle Museum, York to TWB, 17 Aug. - on number of admissions to the Museum per week (tp.)
20TWB to FS, 23 Sept. - on date of meeting the President and HJF (tp. with draft reply by FS)
21Secretary to FS to TWB, 25 Sept. - replies to letter of 10 June (/17 above); advertisement has appeared but no review of Suggestions; new Editor may decide to review it; second copy sent (tpc.)
22TWB to Museums Association, 7 Oct. - encloses advertisement on Suggestions (tpc.)
23Draft advertisement for Suggestions (tp. with corrections)
24Museums Association to TWB, 9 Oct. - acknowledges letter of 7 Oct. (tp.)
25Copy of advertisement of Suggestions, Museums Journal, Vol. 51, No. 8, Nov. 1951, p. ix
26Notice of Folk-lore Society meeting, 10 Oct. on 'The work of the Irish Folklore Commission' by Prof. J.H. Delargy with notes on the commission (printed, tp.)
27TWB to G.E. Fussell, 16 Oct. - asks for information on the British Agricultural History Society (tpc.)
28G.E. Fussell to TWB, 17 Oct. - acknowledges letter of 16 Oct.; good deal of interest shown; hope society will be established (autogr.)
29J.F. Wolfendon, Vice-Chancellor, Reading University to TWB, 18 Oct. - invites him to lunch; wishes to discuss developments at Reading and RAI plans (tp. with comments by TWB on verso)
30TWB to J.F. Wolfenden, 19 Oct. - acknowledges letter of 18 Oct.; pleased to accept invitation (tpc.)
31J.F. Wolfenden to TWB, 20 Oct. - acknowledges letter of 19 Oct.; gives time and place of lunch (tp.)
32ICP to TWB, 22 Oct. - officially notified of his election to CIAP Executive Committee; TWB's name not listed; understood he and TWB had been elected (tp.)
33Notes on Committee by FS (autogr.)
34Ibid.
6/1951, Aug. - Dec. Application to the Pilgrim Trust
1FS to HJF, 2 Aug. - encloses draft application; comments on the estimates (tpc.)
2FS to Sir John L. Myres, 2 Aug. - encloses draft application; would appreciate comments (tpc.)
3Sir John L. Myres to FS, 3 Aug. - comments on rules for order of honours, degrees, etc.; cannot think of a better name (see /5/18 above); refers to possible National Trust houses (autogr.)
4Ibid - encloses suggested insertion for draft (autogr. with annotation by HJF)
5Notes on draft by FS (autogr.)
6TWB to FS, 5 Oct. - suggests list of Committee members should accompany application (autogr. pc.)
7TWB to Humphrey Whitbread, 6 Oct. - on the advice of Lord Kilmaine encloses draft application; comments on the Committee; asks if he will act as a Trustee to deal with any money allocated by the Trust (tpc)
8Humphrey Whitbread to TWB, 9 Oct. - regrets cannot agree to be a Trustee; scheme not within his interests; sends good wishes (tp. with note by TWB)
8aFS to Committee members, 12 Oct. - encloses drafts of letter to Lord Kilmaine and application to the Pilgrim Trust; comments of substance requested by 20 Oct. (tpc.); see /35 below
9WLH to FS, 14 Oct. - comments on draft including estimates on running expenses and the acquisition of specimens (autogr.)
10ICP to FS, 15 Oct. - ibid including titles of prospective staff and costs (tp.)
11JMM to FS, 15 Oct. - ibid including estimates (tp.)
12TWB to FS, 17 Oct. - ibid; refers to 'excellent, review' of Suggestions in Folklore (tp. pc.)
13FS to HJB, 17 Oct. - asks if he will approach Lord Crawford and inquire if he will agree to be a Trustee (tpc.)
14RUS to FS, 18 Oct. - has nothing to add to draft (autogr.)
15WBF to FS, 19 Oct. - considers draft should be discussed by the Committee and approved by Council in view of extent of new material; refers to constitution of Museum which should be under control of RAI for initial 5-year period; comments on salaries (autogr.)
16BMB to FS, 19 Oct. - has discussed draft with T.K. Penniman; considers Museum should start with good technicians at maximum wage; suggests a pension scheme should be arranged to attract suitable applicants from universities or good firms (tp. with autogr. note by FS)
17Sir E. John Russell to FS, 20 Oct. - considers draft 'puts the case adequately' (autogr.)
18Lord Rennell of Rodd to FS, 25 Oct. - in agreement with draft; suitable premises the main difficulty; some country museums unable to exhibit their substantial collections; Hereford Museum an example; much material available in the county and which sells for 'derisory sums'; suggests finding National Trust houses near Hereford (tp.)
19FS to TWB, 29 Oct. - encloses comments from Committee members; President and HJF think WBF's proposal must go to Council (see /15 above); encloses draft note for Council (see /20 below); mentions adjustments to costing figures (tpc.)
20aDraft on WBF's alternative proposal for Council on 13 Nov. (see CM/81/2/5c) (tpc.)
20bProposal submitted to Council (mimeo. with amendments by FS)
21Note by FS to Mrs B.Z. Seligman's comments on draft (autogr.)
22Note by FS on RNS's comments on draft (autogr.)
23TWB to FS, 1 Nov. - returns comments from Committee members; comments on suggested pension scheme and WBF's proposals; agrees with amendments to costing; unable to read her notes (see /21-2 above) (tp.)
24FS to TWB, 2 Nov. - replies to his letter of 1 Nov. (tpc.)
25WBF to TWB, 14 Nov. - comments on Council's decision on his main point (see CM/81/2/5c, f. 642) includes more detailed suggestions for final document (see /26 below); comments on salaries (autogr.)
26'Suggestions for draft letter to Lord Kilmaine' and 'Suggested amendments to the simplified scheme' by WBF. 3 leaves (autogr.)
27TWB to WBF, 17 Nov. - as Chairman, has to 'rule you out of order!'; comments of substance required by 20 Oct., final draft already approved by the President, HJF, and himself; comments on figures for salaries and type of secretary required (tpc.)
28TWB to FS, 17 Nov. - encloses letter from WBF (/25 above); notes amendment to para 9; comments on dispatch of application; wonders about review in Man of Suggestions (see Man, May 1952, Item 113 by J.H. Hutton) (tp.)
29FS to HJF, 21 Nov. - encloses application for signature and forwarding (tpc.)
30FS to TWB, 21 Nov. - reports documents sent to HJF (tpc.)
31TWB to FS, 23 Nov. - notes slight mistakes in documents (tp.)
32WBF to TWB, 25 Nov. - comments on his drafting amendments and his whole hearted support for TWB's actions; without his expertise doubts scheme could have proceeded (autogr.)
33FS to TWB, 26 Nov. - notes corrections and adjustments to costing (tpc.)
34TWB to FS, [27 Nov.] - acknowledges letter of 26 Nov.; agrees with her views (tp. pc.)
35Drafts
aDraft of a letter to Lord Kilmaine (from HJF and TWB) including costs (tp. annotated by TWB and HJF)
bIbid omitting costs (tp. annotated by HJF and FS)
cIbid (mimeo.)
dDraft of 'A simplified scheme for the establishment of an English museum' (tp. annotated by TWB, HJF, and FS; attached addition to paragraph 7 by FS)
eIbid, paragraphs 1-4 (tp. with amendment)
fIbid, complete with members' names appended (tpc.)
gIbid omitting members' names (mimeo.)
36President, RAI, Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Committee to Lord Kilmaine, Secretary, Pilgrim Trust, 27 Nov. - sets out the need for an English Museum and the urgency of such a museum acting as storage for objects in the first instance; submits application for a grant of £10,000 a year for 5 years to enable the museum to be established (tpc.)
37 Lord Kilmaine to TWB, 29 Nov. - acknowledges application and mentions the lucidity of presentation; comments on several points requiring further information (tp.)
38TWB to FS, 1 Dec. - asks her to draw attention to incorrect wording of Minute 5(c) for meeting of 4 Dec. (tp.)
39FS to TWB, 3 Dec. encloses Lord Kilmaine's reply (tpc.)
40TWB to FS, 6 Dec. - encloses draft reply (tp. pc. with autogr. note)
41Ibid, 9 Dec. - has heard from HJF; assumes he has sent any amendments to draft (tp. pc.)
42FS to TWB, 9 Dec. - encloses letter to Lord Kilmaine for signature (tpc.)
43Draft reply to Lord Kilmaine (tp. with autogr. note by TWB)
44Ibid (tpc. with autogr. note by TWB and adjustment by JPM)
45TWB to Lord Kilmaine, 10 Dec. - replies to letter of 29 Nov. (/37 above) (tpc.)
46Lord Kilmaine to TWB, 12 Dec. - acknowledges letter of 10 Dec.; Trustees meet in Feb. (tp.)
47Ibid (tp. copy with note by TWB)
7/1952. Rejection of application by the Pilgrim Trust
1Lord Kilmaine to TWB, 25 Feb. - Trustees decided to make no financial contribution but suggest Committee should cooperate with existing local museums (tp.)
2TWB to [FS], c. 26 Feb. - thinks no reply is required (tp. note)
3FS to TWB, 27 Feb. - expresses deep disappointment at rejection; inquires about 'the next step' (tpc.)
4TWB to FS, 1 Mar. - encloses draft reply; had expected better result; resigns Chairmanship and membership of the Committee; cannot give the time required; must work on his book; Committee should be called; asks HJF to preside; notes expenses he has borne to avoid burdening the RAI; wishes statement on the finances of Suggestions (tp.)
5FS to TWB, 3 Mar. - acknowledges letter of 1 Mar.; will have letter ready for his signature after approval by HJF and JPM; could like to talk matter over when he is at RAI (tpc.)
6FS to JPM, 3 Mar. - informs him of rejection of application and TWB's resignation from the Chairmanship and membership of the Committee; encloses draft reply (tp. with autogr. approval by JPM)
7FS to HJF, 3 Mar. - ibid (tpc.)
8Draft reply (tp.)
9FS to TWB, 7 Mar. - encloses reply for signature (tpc.)
10TWB to Lord Kilmaine, 7 Mar. - expresses regret at decision of Trustees and appreciation of his personal interest (tpc.)
11Message from WLH, 26 Mar. - W.T. O'Dea, Science Museum has agreed to join Committee (autogr.)
12Notes 'for action' by FS (autogr.)
13HJF to WBF, 5 Apr. - trying to follow Committee suggestions (see Minutes, 25 Mar., BEC/81/1); cheque should be sent to TWB; working on possible appeal to the Ford Foundation (autogr.)
14Charles Singer to HJF, 9 Apr. - appreciates request to join Committee; much occupied with A history of technology; unable to attend meetings; name may be used if helpful (tp.)
15W.T. 0'Dea, Keeper, Science Museum to HJF, 10 Apr. - pleased to serve on the Committee (tp.)
16TWB to HJF, 11 Apr. - willing to remain on Committee but cannot promise active help until end of 1953; surprised at small sales of Suggestions; would like a statement of stock of publications and envelopes; glad Prof. J.H. Hutton will review it for Man (tp.)
17HJF to WBF, 14 Apr. - hopes meeting of 6 May will sanction meeting with Royal Society of Arts representative; thinks Committee correspondence should be filed at RAI; returns letters for filing; notes various actions required (autogr.)
18Letter to The Times, 4 June from J.F. Wolfenden, Vice-Chancellor, Reading University on the Museum of English Rural Life established there and leader on the subject (clippings)
19Draft for an appeal for help to acquire a site, employ skilled workers, and to meet costs of administration by HJF (autogr.)
20BMB to HJF, 13 July - makes a number of suggestions on draft (autogr.)
21TWB to Mrs A.C. Bowe (ACB), Secretary to the Officers, 15 Dec. - cannot manage London visit until Jan. (tp. with autogr. note)
8/1953
1TWB to WBF, 5 Jan. - refers to his financing of Suggestions (£94) and agreement that he would be reimbursed by sales; doubts that review copies were 'properly sent out'; sales only £11.64 but cheque never received; now suggests whole cost of booklet should be treated as a gift from him including any income from sales (tp.)
2ACB to TWB, 5 Jan. - acknowledges letter of 15 Dec. (/21 above); HJF would like to meet him on 16 Jan. with Sir Robert Hyde (tpc.)
3Ibid, 6 Jan. - acknowledges letter of 5 Jan. to WBF (/1 above) (tpc. with autogr. note by ACB)
4ACB to HJF, TWB, Sir Robert Hyde, D.H.F. Wilson, 13 Jan. - notification of meeting on 17 Jan. (tpc.)
5ACB to TWB, 21 Jan. - conveys Council's thanks for his offer (see Council minutes, 8 Jan. 1953, CM/82/4, f. 680 and /1 above); aims of Committee to be pursued; will be informed about sales of Suggestions (tpc.)
6ACB to I.M. Sieff (1889-1972}, later President of Marks & Spencer Ltd., 23 Feb. - encloses papers on Committee at the request of D.H.F. Wilson (tpc.)
7HJF to ACB, 14 Apr. - encloses letter from RNS on possible house; asks for it to be shown to Sir Robert Hyde (autogr.)
8ACB to Sir Robert Hyde, 1 May - encloses RNS's letter (tpc)
9C.M. Stanford & Son, Chartered Auctioneers, Colchester to TWB, 19 Aug. - offers Layer Marney Hall at reduced price (see /4/8-18 above)
10TWB to C.M. Stanford & Son, 30 Aug. - acknowledges letter of 19 Aug.; no possibility now of acquiring the property (tpc.)
11TWB to ACB, 2 Sept. - encloses items /9-10 above (tp. pc.)
9/1954
1Sir Robert Hyde to WBF, 11 Feb. - encloses list of firms to be sent leaflet on public lecture series (tp.)
2List of firms to be circularized (tp.)
3Ransomes Sims & Jefferies Ltd, Ipswich to RAI, 8 Apr. - regrets notice of lecture 'Ploughs in Britain' arrived too late; firm maker of ploughs for 165 years; requests printed report (tp.)
4British-American Tobacco Company Ltd to RAI, 9 Apr. - acknowledges receipt of notice of lectures; acknowledgements [not retained] also received from: Dartford Iron Works; Nuffield Foundation; John Ryan, BBC, The Langham (tp.)
5 Robert Sergean, Group for Research in Industrial Psychology to RAI, 11 May - unable to attend lectures; requests reports or summaries; request [not retained] also received from Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, 2 June (tp.)
6RAI to Group for Research in Industrial Psychology, 17 May - no reports available yet; hopes to publish summaries in Man (see Man, Aug. 1955, Items 128-32)
7TWB to WBF, 21 Sept. - regret cannot attend meeting of Committee at such short notice (tp.)
8WBF to Dr F.G. Vallee. 19 Oct. - invites him to become a member of the Committee; similar letters [not retained] sent to Prof. E.G. Bowen and Dr V.G. Sheddick, 26 Oct. (tpc.)
9Dr F.G. Vallee to WBF, 25 Oct. - accepts invitation; applies for membership of RAI (tp.)
10Dr V.G. Sheddick to WBF, 28 Oct. - ibid; asks for information on progress of Committee to date (autogr.)
11Prof. E.G. Bowen to WBF, 30 Oct. - ibid; in full agreement with aims (autogr.)
12RAI to TWB, 22 Dec. - asks for information on papers of earlier committee referred to in minutes of 2 Nov. 1950 (missing from file) (tpc.)
13TWB to RAI, 27 Dec. - there was such a file given to BMB and himself by Sir John L. Myres; handed to FS to be kept with other Committee papers (tp.)
10/1954, 16 Feb. - 27 Apr. Six public lectures
1Notice of lectures: Man in Britain: aspects of anthropological study by HJF, J.A. Fraser Roberts, Prof. Adam Curle, Ffrancis G. Paine, H.N.C. Stevenson, and Sir Robert Hyde (2 copies)
2Notes of the discussions after the lectures:
aLecture 1: The English heritage by HJF, 16 Feb. 6 leaves (tp.)
bLecture 2: Anthropological aspects of blood group studies in Britain by J.A. Fraser Roberts, 2 Mar. I leaf, recto and verso (tp.)
cLecture 3: The rural community by Prof. Adam Curle, 16 Mar. 1 leaf, recto and verso (tp.)
dLecture 4: Ploughs in Britain by Ffrancis G. Paine, 30 Mar. 1 leaf, recto and verso (tp.)
eLecture 5: The importance of custom in industrial society by H.N.C. Stevenson, 13 Apr. 3 leaves (tp.)
fLecture 6: The application of anthropological knowledge to our industrial society by Sir Robert Hyde, 27 Apr. 1 leaf (tp.)
11/1955
1Circular on excursion by University of Wales graduates to Welsh Folk Museum, St Fagan's Castle, 22 May - sent to members of the Committee (mimeo.)
2Ulster Commentary, No. 114, July 1955, pp. 4-5, 8 plan for a folk museum
3Note from D.H.F. Wilson to WBF, 7 July - on projected folk museum (tp. with notes by WBF and Sir Robert Hyde)
12/1956-7
1TWB to RAI, 24 Mar. 1956 - notes Sir Robert Hyde is the present Chairman (tp. pc.)
2Hon. Secretary, Folk-lore Society to RAI, 26 Aug. 1957 - notes Central Register of Folklore Research; wishes to have information on the Committee for their records (tp.)
3RAI to Folk-lore Society, 29 Aug. - reports Committee has not been active in recent years; retained by Council in case required
13/1949-52. Expenses, device and sales of 'Suggestions'
1Paid personally by TWB, Mar. 1949 - Nov. 1951. 11 items, a-k
2Total sales, Oct. 1950 - Mar. 1952
3Device for the English Museum
14/Publications
1'A schedule of Edward Lovett's collection of implements and appliances of savage and of civilised man ... forming the nucleus of a folk museum' with 'Outline of working scheme for proposed folk museum' and copy of a supporting letter from A.C. Haddon, nd (printed and mimeo.)
2`A scheme for the development of a museum of English life and traditions' a memorandum prepared by the British Ethnography Committee of the Institute in collaboration with the Folklore Society, Man, Apr. 1949, no. 49, pp. 41-3
3Ibid. - offprint from Man, Apr. 1949 (2 copies)
4`A folk museum for England', JR Soc. Arts, vol. 98, no. 4808, 18 Nov. 1949, pp. 22-3
5`A plea for a museum of English life and traditions' by TWB, paper delivered to Section H (Anthropology and archaeology), British Association, Newcastle, 2 Sep. 1949 - offprint from Advancement of Science, vol. 7, no. 25, 1950 (2 copies)
6Suggestions concerning classification, storage, and labelling of objects illustrating English life and traditions, 1950
7Luton Public Museum, a temporary Guide, Mar. 1944
15/1969. HJF's papers
1TWB to RAI, 27 Sep. 1969 - encloses HJF's papers for archives; reply, 29 Sep., not retained
16/Agendas, minutes
1Exploratory Committee on the Ethnography of Great Britain
aBEC/1 : 21 Oct. 1948: agenda, minutes, signatures of those present; titled in the agenda: Exploratory Committee on the Material Culture of Great Britain
bBEC/2 : 6 Dec. 1948: agenda, copy of letter from AD to HJF (mimeo.); minutes, signatures of those present; note on meeting by FS (autogr.)
cBEC/3 : 1 Feb. 1949: agenda, draft of A scheme and covering note (mimeo.)(agenda 3), minutes
dBEC/4 : 25 Mar. 1949: agenda, minutes
2British Ethnography Committee
aBEC/[79]/l : 21 Dec. 1949: agenda, note on Exhibition, 1951 (agenda 6), minutes
b?BEC/80/1 : 2 Nov. 1950: agenda
cBEC/81/1 : 25 Mar. 1952: agenda, minutes (autogr. notes by HJF on verso)
d-: 18 Dec. 1952: notes of an informal meeting
e-: 17 Jan. 1952: no agenda or minutes; meeting noted in letter dated 13 Jan. 1953 (see /8/4 above)
f- : 21 Sep.1954: meeting to discuss the future of the Committee: minutes
gBE/88/2 : 27Sep. 1958: minutes
h:17 Apr.1959: agenda of the main Committee
i:ibid.:list of members, Mar. 1959; see Agenda, Item 3
j:ibid.:Material Culture Sub-Committee agenda
k-:ibid.:Social Anthropology Sub-Committee minutes
1:ibid.:Report of ibid.
mBE/88/3 :ibid.: minutes of the main Committee
n-:6 May 1960: Material Culture Sub-Committee agenda
o:ibid.: agenda of main Committee
p:4 Nov. 1960:ibid.
W.B. Fagg Papers combined with RAI files.
