A rich piece of social history, likely by William Henry Shippard, who actively promoted such schemes in Britain during this period.
The prospectus solicits future shareholders in a company for Art Exhibition Rooms in London. As the cost of such endeavours grew increasingly beyond the reach of sole benefactors, this work advocates for a shift towards a more corporate model. The document provides important evidence of the formation of the museum as we understand it today, being distinct from cabinets of curiosities and the panoramas which were also popular.
The text details proposed exhibits including maps (as well as transparent maps), comparative anatomy of extant and existing species, natural history specimens and curiosities. A reading room, book collection, lecture hall and small music room were also proposed. The text makes reference to the Glass Palace then being erected for the Great Exhibition of 1851 as a possible model for a future permanent exhibition structure. In a real sign of the times, there was also to be a restaurant.
“It is evident from the great encouragement afforded to beauteous Panoramas, (which are, however, too transitory in their nature and too limited in their scope,) that the Public eagerly seek information … Yet in these Panoramas, Science, History, and Geography, seem as effectually banished … It has been long a matter of regret and surprise that there absolutely does not exist in such a place as London a series of Exhibition Rooms, calculated to supply the wants and fulfil the conditions of many beauteous productions. While we have a present Panoramas of the Nile, India, New Zealand, Australia, California, &c. &c., not one single exhibition has sufficient space to do common justice to the Artist, still less is there a common central place of exposition. The expense of establishing such an institution deters private individuals from the attempt; it is therefore felt that it can only be carried on by the combined efforts of a well-directed Company … The present Society is therefore founded to supply that deficiency; and, from a careful comparison of statistical details, it has been ascertained that it will not only be highly remunerative, but it will also be universally advantageous as to meet with the most extensive support from the large bodies of persons so deeply interested in its success.”
Very rare: no physical copies on OCLC.
