Keeper's reports

RA Collection: Archive

Reference code

RAA/PC/8/1

Title

Keeper's reports

Date

1882-1952

Level

File

Extent & medium

1 vol.

Previous reference codes

RAA/PC/7/1 and 2191

Content Description

Bound volume of Keeper's reports. The volume does not include reports for the following years: 1903, 1910-12, 1916, 1921, 1941-46, 1951. The records for the year 1927 include a Schools Committee report on the reorganisation of the Schools and the functions of the Keeper, and a Visitor's report on the School of Painting by Wilfrid de Glehn. There are reports on the School of Architecture from the 1930s onward, and also in the 1930s separate reports on the practical class held in the Chemical Laboratory by Arthur Pillans Laurie. Correspondence inserted in the volume for 1950 relates to criticism of the School of Architecture made by the President, Sir Gerald Kelly, in a letter to architect members of 12 June 1950. Kelly's letter had made an attack on what he saw as over-traditional teaching in the School under Albert Richardson. The correspondence includes replies from, among others, C. H. James, who supported Kelly's position and felt that there was no need to "go back to Sir William Chambers for our inspiration", from Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who considered that classical architectural teaching was of use in demonstrating ideas of proportion and light and shade, but should not be overdone, and from W. Curtis Green, who called Kelly's letter an "ill natured attack" on the School of Architecture.