Correspondence to and from the Building Committee. 1838-1839

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Royal Institution of South Wales CollectionRISW

Royal Institution of South Wales accounts, 1807-1991RISW/ACC/hub

Acts of Parliament, 1785-1864RISW/ACT/hub

Royal Institution Bequests, 1927-1984. Over the years a number of important bequests have been made to the Royal Institution. This section contains Lt. Col. William Llewelyn Morgan's Objects of Interest Account and the bequest by Miss Gladwyn Phelps in 1968.RISW/BEQ/hub

Royal Institution Building, 1838-1991. Since the foundation of the Royal Institution the building has undergone a number of notable changes. This section traces the decision to erect a new building (on the Burrows) with the specification of work to be done through to the renovation work in the 1990s.RISW/BUILD/hub

Papers And Plans Relating To Building WorkRISW/BUILD/1/hub

Correspondence regarding building estimates for the Royal Institution building. 4 May 1838-2 Aug. 1839RISW/BUILD 1

Correspondence to and from the Building Committee. 1838-1839RISW/BUILD 1a

Note from J.W. G. Gutch to Rev. John Davies regarding shares for the erection of the new building, includes a reply. 21 and 23 Aug 1838RISW/BUILD 2

Prospectus for the erection of a new building to house the Royal Institution of South Wales includes a specification of building work and a subscription list. 1839RISW/BUILD 3

Specification of the several works to be done and materials to be used in erecting and completely finishing the Royal Institution of South Wales at Swansea...under the direction of Frederick Long, esq., Architect, Liverpool. - 1839RISW/BUILD 3a

Subscription lists for a public breakfast to be given at the Assembly Rooms upon the laying of the foundation stone of the Royal Institution of South Wales. - 1839RISW/BUILD 4

Contract for £2750, dated 27 May 183; (i) William Rayner the younger of Swansea, Glamorgan, builder; (ii) John Wheeley Gough Gutch of Swansea, Glamorgan, esq.; to erect a building on land situated on the Burrows, Swansea for the use of the Royal Institution of South Wales (details of specifications not extracted)RISW/BUILD 5

Bond in £1100, William Rayner the younger, builder, John Beynor, ironmonger and Lewis Michael, merchant all of Swansea, Glamorgan to John Wheeley Gough Gutch of Swansea, Glamorgan, esq. to secure the covenants of a contract (bearing the same date) for building the Royal Institution of South Wales. 27 May 1839RISW/BUILD 6

File containing papers and correspondence relating to the building of the Royal Institution of South Wales, Swansea. 1840-1849RISW/BUILD 6a

Letter from Fred Long, Liverpool to George Grant Francis, High Street, Swansea regarding building work at the Royal Institution. Also a tribute to Frederick Long regarding his design of the Royal Institution building. 29 June 1840RISW/BUILD 7

Letter to Frederick Long from the Royal Institution of South Wales Building Committee regarding payment for work done. 25 Aug. 1840RISW/BUILD 8

Draft Specification for tender for mason's work and iron work as part of the enclosure around the Royal Institution building. 17 Sept. 1840RISW/BUILD 9

Agreement, Philip Rogers the younger of Swansea, Glamorgan, mason to David Nicol of Swansea, Glamorgan, surgeon to build and finish under the direction of Frederick Long of Liverpool architect on land at the Burrows, Swansea an enclosure around the Royal Institution building. 26 Sept. 1840RISW/BUILD 10

Agreement, Thomas Henry Williams of Swansea, Glamorgan, iron founder to David Nichol of Swansea, Glamorgan, surgeon to build and finish the iron railing upon the enclosure around the Royal Institution building. 19 Oct. 1840RISW/BUILD 11

Agreement, William Rayner The Honorary Librarian of the Royal Institution of South Wales to make bookcases for the Library of the Royal Institution according to the plan produced by F. Long. 21 June 1841RISW/BUILD 12

Bundle of letters from the Swansea Harbour Trust and Swansea Town Clerk's Office to the trustees of the Royal Institution of South Wales regarding a New Road to run from Quay Parade to the South Dock. 1 Sept. 1859-29 Oct. 1860RISW/BUILD 13

Royal Insurance Policy for £600 on the Royal Institution, furniture, books, collections and cases. 23 Jan. 1860RISW/BUILD 14

Bundle of papers relating to the building of a gallery in the library, including estimates and specification of work to be done. 28 Feb.-10 May 1871RISW/BUILD 15

List of members of the Royal Institution of South Wales with addresses to illustrate where they live in relation to the Institution building, in proposal for a new building at St James'. Includes a sketch of zones. 1875-1876RISW/BUILD 16

Report on the progress and accommodation of the Royal Institution of South Wales regarding the possibility of moving to St James'. 2 Feb. 1875RISW/BUILD 16a

Report of the New Building Site Committee of the Royal Institution of South Wales, Swansea. 1876RISW/BUILD 17

Correspondence regarding estimates for making bookcase doors. 29 Sept.-4 Oct. 1877RISW/BUILD 18

Letter from Thomas, Watkins & Jenkins to Evan Lewis providing a quote for fixing the ventilators. 15 May 1879RISW/BUILD 19

Letter from Hort. Huxham, curator of the Geological Department to the Council regarding the condition of the museum. 5 Sept. 1879RISW/BUILD 20

Sketch plan of proposed buildings for Free Library, School of Art, Art Gallery and Royal Institution, Swansea, scale, 1inch: 20 foot. 1882RISW/BUILD 21

Covering letter and accounts between the Royal Institution of South Wales and Strick & Bellingham regarding the proposed new building, 1875-1882 6 June 1883RISW/BUILD 22

Transcript copy of the original lease of land on which the Royal Institution was built, includes a copy of the plan and a covering letter from Evan Lewis to Alex Moffat regarding the loan of the original lease to make a copy. - May 1912RISW/BUILD 23

Covering letter and Agreement between The Royal Institution of South Wales and the Mayor, aldermen and burgesses of the County Borough of Swansea for the use of land at the rear of the Royal Institution, Swansea. 12 and 14 Jan. 1917RISW/BUILD 24

Correspondence relating to the installation of a boiler. 1936-1937RISW/BUILD 24a

General file of the Royal Institution of South Wales recording information on income tax, keys, examinations and gardens. 1938-1945RISW/BUILD 25

File containing correspondence and specification reports regarding war precautions and war damage. n.d. and 26 Aug. 1941-1919 Aug. 1948RISW/BUILD 26

File containing correspondence and details of objects damaged during the War, insurance policies and items removed from RISW to outlying buildings. 12 Feb. 1941-1918 Nov. 1948RISW/BUILD 27

Bundle of Insurance Certificates and Fire Prevention notices. 1943-45RISW/BUILD 28

File containing correspondence regarding war damage, includes Annual Reports, 1943-1950; Library Reports, 1945-47; and The Pilgrim Trust Twentieth Annual Report, 1950. 1943-1950RISW/BUILD 29

Letter from RISW to Glendenning Moxham, esq. regarding War Damage to the building and temporary repairs. 26 March 1946RISW/BUILD 30

Letter from D. Beynon Davies & son to RISW regarding a quote for making a platform in the theatre. 1 April 1946RISW/BUILD 31

Letter from D. Beynon Davies & son to RISW regarding a quote for repairs to stores at the rear of the building. 1 April 1946RISW/BUILD 32

File containing correspondence regarding insurance and war damage, includes a list of furniture within the Royal Institution. 5 July 1946-18 Nov. 1949RISW/BUILD 33

Letter from J.B. Bernard, Borough engineer and surveyor to RISW regarding an application for the repair and use of the Royal Institution building. 15 July 1948RISW/BUILD 34

Letter from the Royal Institution of South Wales to the Pilgrim Trust regarding the state of the building. 22 Oct. 1949RISW/BUILD 35

File containing correspondence with the Ministry of Works and Historic Buildings Council for Wales regarding a grant for restoration work, 21 July 1959-1915 July 1963; includes a booklet titled 'Aid for Historic Buildings' and a copy of 'Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act, 1953. 1953-15 July 1963RISW/BUILD 36

Correspondence with France, Fenwick (Insurance) Limited. 9 Nov. 1956-19 June 1958RISW/BUILD 37

File entitled 'Building', containing correspondence and council minutes. n.d. and 18 Feb. 1958-1 April 1964RISW/BUILD 38

Plan of the Base for the Lead Mill Engine. 10 Nov. 1958RISW/BUILD 39

File containing the following plans: 'Proposed internal alterations and development of grounds', dated 22 Dec. 1960 (scale 1/8 inch:1 foot); 'Site of the Philosophical Institution, Swansea, No.1', original drawn 27 May 1839, copied 12 Feb. 1960; 'Display panels', dated 21 April 1961 (scale 1 inch:1 foot); 'Detail of wooden screen wall and new external door', dated 10 Nov. 1961 (scale 1/4 inch:1 foot and 1 inch:1 foot); 'The Mond Nickel Co. Ltd., General arrangement of large box decomposer for plant 7', not dated (scale 1 1/2 inch: 1 foot). Also a copy drawing of 'Proposed Developments at the Royal Institution, Swansea' drawn by Sir Percy Thomas and son, architects, n.d. 1960-1961RISW/BUILD 40

File containing miscellaneous papers, including booklets of technical notes; estimate of costs for running the Royal Institution, 1965; receipt for a clock, 1982; letter regarding missing industrial exhibits, 1962 and information on General Rates, 1969-70. 1960-1990RISW/BUILD 41

Papers relating to the extension and development of the Royal Institution, includes plans of proposed alterations and development (Feb. 1962, Scale 1":8'0"; - 1976, Scale 1": 16'; May 1977, Scale 1": 8'0"; July 1977, Scale 1: 100; Aug. 1981, Scale 1:100). 1962-1987RISW/BUILD 42

Bundle of 4 plans relating to the proposed alterations and site development at Swansea Museum. drawn 12 Feb. 1962; issued 4 May 1966RISW/BUILD 43

Plan of proposed alterations and site development to the Royal Institution of South Wales. 12 Feb. 1962RISW/BUILD 44

File entitled 'Renovation of Building', containing correspondence, receipts, invoices and proposals. 29 March 1962-3 Dec. 1971RISW/BUILD 45

Specification of work to be done and materials to be used for repairs, alterations and extensions to the Royal Institution of South Wales, Swansea. May 1962RISW/BUILD 46

File entitled 'Architects Renovations'. 19 Oct. 1962-23 Dec. 1969RISW/BUILD 47

Correspondence between Mr Howell Mendus, esq. Chartered Architect and members of the Royal Institution and various businesses, regarding improvements and upkeep of the building. 1964-1973RISW/BUILD 48

Proposal for adapting the Library area to showcases. 26 Nov. 1964RISW/BUILD 49

Correspondence relating to hanging pictures in the stairwell. Includes a plan of picture suspension rails on the staircase walls. 1966RISW/BUILD 49a

Envelope containing details of insurance policies. 14 May 1969-14 May 1975RISW/BUILD 50

Tentative layout for Industrial Exhibits in China Room. 21 Oct. 1969RISW/BUILD 51

File containing building plans, correspondence and notes relating to the new Natural History gallery. 1977RISW/BUILD 52

Correspondence and plans for Museum extension, includes two plans by Percy Thomas Partnership of the proposed layout of the new extension at the rear of the old library, July 1981 (scale 1:100) 1977-1981RISW/BUILD 53

Correspondence between the Royal Institution and University College of Swansea regarding building works and alterations, includes three plans for the proposed new Natural History gallery, (May 1977, Scale 1":8'0"; Oct. 1977, Scale 1:50; Aug. 1978, Scale 1:50). 1978-1979RISW/BUILD 54

File containing memorandum on Articles of Association, a copy of the original lease of land on which the Royal Institution of South Wales was built and the Agreement between the University College of Swansea and the Royal Institution, all used in the case regarding the suggested transfer of the property to Swansea Corporation. 1960s-1980sRISW/BUILD 55

Miscellaneous papers relating to Swansea Museum, including thoughts on the RISW garden and its future, 1993; application for copyright photographs forms, 1980s; minutes of the Museum Association Annual General Meeting, 1990 and RISW Financial Statement, 1989. 1980s-1993RISW/BUILD 56

Ground and first floor plans of Swansea Museum. n.d. c.1990sRISW/BUILD 57

Plan of Proposed Lighting at Swansea Museum, scale1:100. 12 Aug. 1991RISW/BUILD 58

Siting plan of foundation for 52 inch tinning machine for the Royal Institution of South Wales n.d.RISW/BUILD 59

Plan of foundation detail of 52 inch tinning machine for the Royal Institution of South Wales n.d.RISW/BUILD 60

Plan of Swansea Museum, showing dimensions from the centre of walls. n.d.RISW/BUILD 61

Plan of proposed alterations to existing Library Shelving at the Royal Institution of South Wales. n.d.RISW/BUILD 62

Plan of the layout of the Industrial Museum Room at the Royal Institution of South Wales. n.d.RISW/BUILD 63

Plan showing layout of the tinning machine, aetna cleaning machine, cold roll mill, annealing stand coach and furnace pit. n.d.RISW/BUILD 64

Royal Institution Catalogues, n.d. and 1840-1991. The following is a collection of Royal Institution catalogues, finding aids and list of acquisitions. NOTE: Library catalogues and lists can be found in the library section of this catalogue (RISW LIB).RISW/CAT/hub

Royal Institution Correspondence, 1821-1994. The following list of General Correspondence has been listed using the original file bundles where possible. This section brings together various correspondences of members of the Royal Institution, looking at general correspondence and letters relating to donations, room bookings and enquiries. In many cases the original files have been kept.RISW/COR/hub

Royal Institution Development, 1838-1993. The RISW owned and managed Swansea Museum for nearly 140 years. For ten years from 1975, the RISW entered into partnership with Swansea University which helped to support the Museum. In 1991 the Museum and its collections were given to Swansea City Council. The following papers highlight theses partnerships and the threatened closure of Swansea Museum in the 1980s.RISW/DEV/hub

Royal Institution Documents, c.1485-2004. The following miscellaneous collection of documents deposited at various points during the history of the Royal Institution. The depositors of these collections are unknown but it would ultimately be possible to trace the depositors by searching through the Annual Reports which record most documents deposited, particularly during the early stages of the Institution. Those documents stamped 'The Gift of John Richardson Francis, 1895' were deposited by him after his father's death. This section contains a variety of documents ranging from miscellaneous deeds and wills through to notebooks and a collection of Acts of Parliament.RISW/DOC/hub

Royal Institution Events, 1842-2002. The Royal Institution has a yearly programme of events ranging from general evening socials to exhibitions and appeals. This section also includes events organised by other bodies including the Swansea Science and Field Naturalists Society and the Gower Society.RISW/EVENT/hub

Royal Institution Guides, c.1835-1992. Over the years the Royal Institution has produced a number of guide books on the museum, its collections and founders. A number of articles and thesis have also been written regarding the Royal Institution.RISW/GUIDE/hub

Other early institutions, 1822-[1950s]. This section contains the records of other early institutions such as the Cambrian Institution, Swansea Tradesman's Mechanics' Institution and the Swansea Philosophical and Literary Institution, 1835-1836, the predecessor of the Royal Institution of South Wales as well some records from the General Register of the Science and Art department of the Committee of Council on Education.RISW/INST/hub

Royal Institution Lectures, 1835-1986. A large part of the work of the Royal Institution of South Wales is dedicated to delivering lectures on various topics, from local history to more scientific interests. This section includes the lecture notes of Lewis Llewelyn Dillwyn and a series of Free Lectures run by the Institution during the nineteenth century.RISW/LEC/hub

Royal Institution of South Wales library, 1834-1991. The Library Section contains all papers relating to the library, including minutes, loans, donations, requests and a large collection of Library Catalogues and Indexes produced between 1846 and 1980s.RISW/LIB/hub

Royal Institution Museum Sections, 1844-1991. The Royal Institution and Swansea Museum comprises a number of sections. The actual collections are still at the museum, but the papers that are associated with each section can be found in RISW MUS under the following headings: Archaeological; Art ; Botany; Ceramics; Numismatics; Curiosities; Geology; Ornithology; Welsh Folk Culture and Welsh Kitchen; Zoology and the Young People's Section.RISW/MUS/hub

Other organisations, n.d. and [1900]-c.1995. This section contains papers and correspondence with other organisations such as the National Museum for Wales, Council for Nature, Registry of Friendly Societies and the Charities Commission.RISW/ORG/hub

Royal Institution Photographs n.d. and c.1850-1993. This is a miscellaneous pictures section which contains photographs from a number of Royal Institution events and local scenes, including copy photographs of Thomas Hornor's watercolour of Swansea, c.1816 and other images used in exhibitions.RISW/PIC/hub

Royal Institution Presidents' Papers. This section contains papers and correspondence of former RISW Presidents.RISW/PRES/hub

Published and unpublished works collected by the RISW, 1725-c.1952. This section brings together published and unpublished works collected by the RISW, 1725-c.1952 since it was established.RISW/PUB/hub

Royal Institution of South Wales society records, 1835-2001RISW/SOC/hub

Royal Institution Staff, 1867-1989. In April 1867 the Royal Institution of South Wales placed an advert in a number of local and national newspaper advertising the position of Resident Keeper. There were 32 applicants (2 of which withdrew due to the poor state of accommodation) from all parts of the British Isles. It was Evan Lewis of Cwm-giedd, Ystradgynlais that eventually gained the position and held it until 1906. The previous Keeper had been dismissed due to complaints from some members 'respecting the neglected condition of the Library and the Institution generally'.RISW/STAFF/hub

Additional records relating to the Royal Institution of South WalesRISW/X/hub