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Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers)

Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers), 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR, England

The Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers) is the professional body for geography and the largest and most active learned societies. It promotes and supports geographical learning and teaching through research programmes, resources and professional development for schools, lectures and exhibitions and holds one of the world's largest geographical collections.

The Royal Geographical Society has Designated Collections of national importance.

An image from Unseen Island Life - photographs of the Caribbean by Harry Johnston

Contact Details | Articles | Events | General Information

Facilities

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Contact Details

Tel : 020 7591 3000
Fax : 020 7591 3001
E-mail : info@rgs.org
education@rgs.org
pictures@rgs.org
enquiries@rgs.org
go@rgs.org

URL : www.rgs.org

Open

10am - 5pm Mondays to Fridays

Related Articles

08/12/2008 A History of the Dictionary People - Yemen and British Yemenis
09/09/2008 Royal Geographical Society's Archives Reveal Punjabi History
20/07/2008 Seeing China At The Royal Geographical Society
15/01/2007 Afghanistan, Then And Now
10/10/2006 Britons in Afghanistan across the Centuries: From Victorian Colonials To Moazzem Begg
02/05/2006 History, Sun, And Fresh Air: Museums With Parks And Gardens.
04/10/2005 Black History Month 2005 - Unseen Island Life On Show In London

General Information

Cultural collections description

In June 2004 the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) opened its new facilities to the public, which provide access to one of the world’s largest geographical collections containing over two million maps, photographs, books, artwork, artefacts and documents. The collection tells the story of 500 years of geographical discovery and research, seeing the world through the eyes of explorers associated with the Society. Treasures in the collections include some of the earliest photographs of Africa, Asian and the Caribbean, and the first Arabian photographs of Mecca and Medina. The listing here gives an indication of some of the vast holdings of the Royal Geographical Society, but for a more detailed search, just type a keyword into the RGS's online catalogue - covering books, maps and pictures.

The Society’s artefact collection includes over one thousand items brought to the Society since its inception and consisting mainly of three types of items.

Cultural objects from around the world ranging from Inuit boots from the Canadian Arctic to ceremonial ‘leopard’s claws’ from what was the Belgian Congo.

Paraphernalia of exploration from oxygen sets used in the various attempts on Everest to a compass used by Livingstone in his search for the source of the Nile.

Personal items formerly belonging to some of the world’s greatest explorers - from Shackleton’s Burberry helmet to H M Stanley’s boots.

View detailed collections record >

African: Congolese | African: Egyptian | African: Ethiopian | African: Kenyan | African: Moroccan | African: Nigerian | African: Somali | African: South African | African: Sudanese | African: Ugandan | Asian | Asian: Chinese | Asian: Filipino | Asian: Indian | Asian: Japanese | Asian: Sri Lankan | Asian: Vietnamese | Caribbean | Near & Middle East | Near & Middle East: Iranian | Near & Middle East: Kurdish | North America | North, West & Southern Europe | North, West & Southern Europe: French | North, West & Southern Europe: German | North, West & Southern Europe: Greeks | North, West & Southern Europe: Irish | North, West & Southern Europe: Italian | North, West & Southern Europe: Portuguese | North, West & Southern Europe: Turks | Oceania | Religious Group: Jewish

General Information

Pre-booking service for groups

Collections

Object identification and/or written enquiry service
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Public access available to collections information

Disability Access

Induction loops in lecture theatres
Toilets for disabled
Wheelchair access to all public areas

General Education

Academic publications and resources available
Education facilities available
Loan service
Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Teaching/resources available for HE/FE students

Schools Education

Direct teaching services for schools
Secondary school education service available

Facilities

Facilities for private functions and events
Library with public access
Meeting room available
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Study facilities

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Search The Diverse Collections Of The Museum Of London Online

photo shows asian man in smart victorian dress with top hat

The Museum Of London's new microsite allows you to search for the story of the many cultures of London in their collections.

This image shows Sir Mancherjee Bhownaggree, MP for Bethnal Green 1895 - 1906. A supporter of British rule in India, he was nicknamed 'bow-the-knee' by opponents. However he also lobbied parliament on the rights of Indian subjects.

Click here to find out more...