The Iran Society

Scope and Content

Material concerned with the Iran Society and the interaction of the Royal Asiatic Society with it. These are:

  • Letter from Michael Noel-Clarke, Chairman, The Iran Society, to Professor Anthony Stockwell, President, Royal Asiatic Society to inquire regarding possibilities of cooperation between the two societies and to include a copy of the programme for 2002-2003 and a history of the Iran Society written by Sir Denis Wright. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 21 October 2002. With the letter are the programme and history.
  • Copy of an email from Professor Anthony Stockwell, President, Royal Asiatic Society to Michael Noel-Clarke, Chairman, The Iran Society, to report on talking with colleagues in the Royal Asiatic Society regarding a possible collaboration for a lecture. Typed, dated 15 November 2002.
  • Letter from Michael Noel-Clarke, Chairman, The Iran Society, to Adrian Thomas, Secretary, Royal Asiatic Society to send a copy of the Iran Society Journal which has been relaunched. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 12 January 2003. A copy of the Journal for September 2002 is with the letter.
  • Copies of emails between Michael Noel-Clarke, Chairman, The Iran Society, and Professor Anthony Stockwell, President, Royal Asiatic Society concerning a possible conference on Islamic gardens. Typed, dated 25 February 2003.
  • Letter from Michael Noel-Clarke, Chairman, The Iran Society, to Adrian Thomas, Secretary, Royal Asiatic Society, concerning the publication of Sir Denis Wright's Collected Essays. Typed, dated 24 June 2003.

Administrative / Biographical History

The Persia Society was founded in 1911 but wound up in 1929. Its successor, the Iran Society, came into being in 1935. Between them, these two societies have spanned most of the twentieth century and a variety of phases in Anglo-Iranian relations. The aims are to bring together those interested in Iran's history and culture by means of lectures and occasional publications, to spread knowledge and understanding of Persian culture in the UK and thus to contribute to Anglo-Iranian understanding and friendship.

The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.

Access Information

Open. Please contact the archivist using the email address given here. The archive is open on Tuesdays and Fridays 10-5, and Thursdays 2-5. Access is to any researcher without appointment but it will help if an appointment is made via phone or email. Please bring photo ID.

Acquisition Information

The material is part of the institutional records of the Society from its dealings with other organisations.

Archivist's Note

This material was catalogued by Nancy Charley, RAS Archivist, in 2019.

Conditions Governing Use

Digital photography (without flash) for research purposes may be permitted upon completion of a copyright declaration form, and with respect to current UK copyright law.

Custodial History

These papers were sent and received by the Royal Asiatic Society in the course of its business.

Related Material

The Society's Collections hold some published material from the Iran Society. More details can be found here .

Geographical Names