Swanseas Royal Institution and Waless First Museum

Edited by Helen Hallesy, Gerald Gabb

Publication date:

08 February 2024

Length of book:

728 pages

Publisher

University of Wales Press

Dimensions:

246x189mm

ISBN-13: 9781837720903

BOOK DESCRIPTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Royal Institution of South Wales is a very special organisation, one of the few such institutions to survive into the twenty-first century. Founded in 1835, it opened Wales’s first museum in 1841, running it until 1990, and it remains today a thriving centre of culture. RISW’s original lecture theatre, library and laboratory demonstrate its early involvement in scientific research and education. This substantial and richly illustrated book sets the story in context – in local, national and international terms – and presents RISW as a significant contributor to the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge. The book covers the growth of RISW, the notable members it attracted, later challenges it faced and its survival into the world of today. The formation of the museum’s many varied collections is described by leading specialists, including the developing sciences – geology; natural history; botany; archaeology; Egyptology and photography; the decorative arts; historical records; coins; maps; and costume.

Notes on Contributors Acknowledgements Preface Lyndon Morris Introduction Jenny Sabine PART 1 Chapter 1The Swansea Context Louise Miskell PART 2 Foundations and Early Period Chapter 2 Beginnings 2.1 Origins and Ambitions Karmen Thomas 2.2 The BAAS meeting 1848 John Tucker 2.3 The Role of Women in the RISW Jenny Sabine 2.4 The Lectures Programme Gerald Gabb and Helen Hallesy 2.5 Education 1835-1939 Gerald Gabb Chapter 3 Swansea Museum 3.1 Planning and funding the building Helen Hallesy 3.2 Uses of building and extensions Gerald Gabb PART 3 The Collections Chapter 4 Sciences Introduction Iwan Morus 4.1 Geology Ronald Austin 4.2 Botany Kevin Davies 4.3 Other Natural Sciences Emma Williams 4.4 Photography Katy Williams Chapter 5 Artefacts and Records 5.1 The Archives Andrew Dulley 5.2 The Library Gerald Gabb 5.3 Maps and Charts Phil Treseder 5.4 Local Historians Gerald Gabb 5.5 Art Helen Hallesy 5.6 Ceramics Helen Hallesy 5.7 Archaeology Gerald Gabb 5.8 Egyptology Caroline Graves-Brown 5.9 Numismatics Alan and Noel Cox 5.10 Costume Deborah Griffiths 5.11 Miscellaneous Phil Treseder PART 4 Later developments Chapter 6 Introduction Elizabeth Belcham 6.1 The Museum during WW2 Helen Hallesy 6.2 The transfer to Swansea University Syd Howells 6.3 Swansea University to Swansea City Council Iwan Davies 6.4 Education post 1939 Gerald Gabb Chapter 7 Associated Societies Introduction Gerald Gabb and Helen Hallesy 7.1 Swansea Farmers Club Helen Hallesy 7.2 Musical Groups Gerald Gabb 7.3 Literary and Scientific Society Gerald Gabb 7.4 Swansea Astronomical Society Helen Hallesy 7.5 Swansea Geological Society Helen Hallesy 7.6 Swansea Scientific Society Gerald Gabb 7.7 Field Naturalists Society Gerald Gabb 7.8 Swansea Photographic Association Helen Hallesy 7.9 Welsh Society Gerald Gabb 7.10 Philatelic Society Helen Hallesy 7.11 Shiplovers’ Society Helen Hallesy 7.12 Gower Society Ruth and Malcolm Ridge 7.13 Swansea Little Theatre Eryl Jenkins and Dave Taylor 7.14 Gower Ornithological Society Gerald Gabb List of RISW Presidents 1835-2022 Bibliography List of Subscribers Index