The Historical Collections of the R.U.S.I.

Abstract

Abstract During the past few years circumstances have forced a change in the Council's policy towards the retention of original historical material. It should be remembered that, until the formation of the Imperial War Museum in 1919, the R.U.S.I.'s collection in the Banqueting House constituted the sole Service museum (other than the Tower Armouries) in the capital. In 1935 the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich was formed, and since the last war the National Army Museum at Camberley and the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon have come into being. In 1962 the R.U.S.I.'s collection of uniforms and relics had to be dispersed when the Banqueting House was taken back by the Government, and from that time on the Institution ceased to collect further exhibits. The present position is that there now exists a professionally staffed museum for each of the three Services, and from 1970, when the National Army Museum's new building at Chelsea opens, all four museums dealing with the Services and their histories will be easily accessible from Central London. During the discussions on the reorganisation of the Institution the Council, on the advice of the Journal, Library and Lecture Committee, decided that in future there would no longer be space in the building to maintain the Map Room or the Manuscripts Room, nor was there any prospect of employing trained staff to look after the contents. It was therefore decided to dispose of these two collections. In addition the formation of the National Army Museum had created an institution far better fitted for the study of the minutiae of historic uniforms, colours, etc., and it was therefore further agreed that the original material relating to these subjects should be transferred to the National Army Museum. The R.U.S.I. will maintain in the Library a thoroughly comprehensive collection of printed works on dress and other aspects of military antiquarianism, and steps are being taken to ensure that this collection meets the needs of members. A full list of the recent disposals from the Institution follows.