File RAS PROP4/6 - Correspondence regarding building works

1 archival folder

These papers form part of the Society’s institutional records, but at some point in their history they came into the possession of the Royal Anthropological Institute. They were transferred back from the Institute to the Society in March 2026.

This file contains documents relating to building works planned or carried out at the Society’s premises at 74 Grosvenor Road. The material consists primarily of correspondence between Colonel Hoysted, RAS Secretary; E. S. M. Perowne, Honorary Treasurer; D. H. Brammal, solicitor; building tenants; and various service providers regarding specific works, including:

• Two letters with Haymarket & City Window Cleaning Co. regarding the provision of cleaning services. Typed, 2 pieces, dated 30 November-2 December 1931.

• Three letters with Messrs H. & E. Lea Ltd. regarding drainage work to be executed at the Society following the inspection by the London Sanitary Protection Association. With the letters is an estimate from R. Dallyn Son & Stoner. Typed, 4 pieces, dated 31 July-10 August 1931.

• Documents relating to building works to be executed at certain basement rooms of the building used for accommodation of a caretaker. These include a letter to E. S. M. Perowne, regarding recolouring and painting of the room; letters from builders Messrs H. & E. Lea Ltd. and W. H. Lambert & Sons providing estimates for the works; and two specifications of works supplied by Messrs H. & E. Lea Ltd. Typed, 10 pieces, dated 28 September-10 October 1931.

• Three letters with Messrs H. & E. Lea Ltd. regarding ceiling work to be executed at the ‘Musicians Room’ on the 2nd floor of the building. With the letters is an estimate supplied by the same. Typed, 4 pieces, dated 10-13 October 1931.

• Two sets of specification of various works proposed to be executed at different locations of the building, supplied by Messrs. H & E Lea Ltd. in July 1931 and May 1933 respectively. These include washing and painting railings, preparing and erecting shelf fitting, and staining woodwork, etc. Typed, 4 pieces.

• Two letters with United Vacuum Cleaner Company regarding the provision of cleaning services. Typed, 2 pieces, dated 29-30 June 1932.

• Three letters with Messrs H. & E. Lea Ltd. regarding drainage and sink works to be executed at the top flat of the building. Typed, 3 pieces, dated 8-12 December 1933.

• Documents relating to electrical works to be executed at the top flat of the building occupied by tenant Mrs G. D. Sword. These include letters from a builder and electrical engineer reporting on the issue and providing estimates for the works, letters with E. S. M. Perowne regarding conducting an inspection of the whole building, a letter to Mr Bramall clarifying the responsibility for conducting re-wiring work, letters with Mrs Sword regarding further issues of her flat, letters with Ellis & Ward Ltd for carrying out such works, a tender for electrical bells, and a report on the electrical installation of the Society. Typed and handwritten, 24 pieces and 2 paper files, dated 19 October 1933–27 July 1934.

• Two letters with Beau Brummel Ltd. regarding carpet cleaning, with an estimate listing the type and size of each carpet at each location in the building. Typed, 4 pieces, dated 12-17 July 1934.

• Documents relating to proposed alterations in Room 6, newly let to the tenant and member Miss Helen Carey, as well as works in other basement rooms, chiefly concerning shelving. These include correspondence with the builder Ernest Setchell and estimates supplied by the company; a pencil plan of the Pamphlet Room; a letter to the solicitor regarding drafting an agreement; and several handwritten notes. Typed and handwritten, 11 pieces, dated 18 January-3 February 1936.

• Documents relating to the replacement of the existing gas cooking stove with a new model. These include a letter from E. S. M. Perowne giving his views and multiple letters with the Gas Light and Coke Company regarding the new model and the cost involved. With the letters are several agreements for hire of apparatus of the company and some handwritten notes. Typed and handwritten, 21 pieces, dated 31 October-24 November 1936.

• Letter from architect Frederick J. Gibbins offering suggestions for fixing book racks at the bottom of the staircase well to provide additional book storage within the building. Typed, 2 pieces, dated 1 April 1936.

• Four Letters with Messrs. H. & E. Lea Ltd. regarding the provision of shelving in the Library for the sum of £17. Typed, 6 pieces, dated 3 November 1937-14 February 1938.

• Six letters with the London Sanitary Protection Association, regarding arranging inspection of the drainage system of the Society. With the letters are two copies of a printed memorandum as to the necessity of periodical inspection. Typed, 9 pieces, dated 28 June 1935-30 June 1938.

Open. Please contact the Archivist.

• English

These items were catalogued by James Liu, RAS Archivist, in March 2026.