Collections events
Led by our Collections team, we offer a number of opportunities to learn more about and see highlights of the Society’s unique Collections.
Coming up:
Workshops and showcases
"Thrilled to experience the most professional and in-depth presentation."
"Lovely to handle the original documents. Opens up a whole new dimension... a chance to interact and learn from documents and primary sources."
When: All events begin at 2.30pm. Meet at the Exhibition Road reception. Booking essential, as places are limited. Book early to avoid disappointment. Refreshments provided.
Tickets: Free to members and educational users, non-members £5 payable in advance.
To book a place:
Telephone +44 (0)20 7591 3044 or 
email showcase@rgs.org
David Livingstone’s African achievements
- Monday 4 March 2013
- Monday 11 March 2013
Both sold out - why not try our Be Inspired talk 'Dr Livingstone, I presume?' on Monday 18 March instead - see entry below.
Missionary, explorer, anti-slavery campaigner, David Livingstone’s association with Africa lasted 30 years. He was the first European to visit the Victoria Falls and the first to visit Lake Nyassa /Malawi and later he added his name to the distinguished list of explorers searching for the source of the Nile.
How to use the Foyle Reading Room workshop
- Monday 15 April 2013
- Monday 22 April 2013
An excellent introduction to the Foyle Reading Room, showing users how to get the best out of the Society’s Collections.
A celebration of Everest - sold out
- Tuesday 7 May 2013
- Monday 13 May 2013
Both sold out - why not try our Be Inspired talks on 'Everest Pioneer – the photographs of Captain John Noel' and 'Everest, the First Ascent - the untold story of Griffith Pugh', on Monday 29 April 2013 and Monday 20 May 2013 respectively - see entries below.
From George Mallory to Tensing Norgay, the triumph and tragedy of the British and Commonwealth Mount Everest expeditions 1921-53 presented through a fascinating mix of artefacts, maps, pictures and original archival material.
Women travellers
- Monday 20 May 2013
- Monday 10 June 2013
Explore women’s involvement with the Society through the lives of three intrepid female travellers: Isabella Bird, said to have helped spark the ‘Ladies question’ and one of the first females elected in 1892; Mary Kingsley, a deliberate non-Fellow; and Gertrude Bell, 1917 Society medal winner.
Lecture-related Collections displays in the Foyle Reading Room
Pre/post-Monday night lecture why not visit the Foyle Reading Room to see lecture-themed Collections displays on the following dates, pre-lecture from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and post-lecture from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
- Colliding continents: the geological exploration of the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Tibet A display focusing on the Society’s Everest-related holdings - 22 April 2013
- A South Indian journey Early maps, photographs and watercolours from the Society’s Collections relating to southern India - 20 May 2013
Be Inspired
A series of afternoon talks based on the Society’s Collections, from 2.30pm to approximately 4.00pm.
This series of Collections-specific, regular afternoon talks is given by speakers who have used the Collections to inspire their writing, travel or personal researches. It is intended to inspire members and non-members alike to use our rich resources for their own projects.
Tickets: free to RGS-IBG members and educational users. Non-members: £5, payable in advance.
Venue: Education Centre, Lowther Lodge. Pre-booking required.
To book a place:
+44 (0)20 7591 3044 or showcase@rgs.org
Western crossings
Richard Cox
- Monday 15 April 2013, 2.30pm-4.00pm
The Blue Mountains, New South Wales, are intersected by ravines which barred early British colonists from pastoral expansion. Richard talks of colonists’ crossings from 1813, focusing on Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth.
Everest Pioneer – the photographs of Captain John Noel
Sandra Noel
- Monday 29 April 2013, 2.30pm-4.00pm
As part of the Society’s event series to mark the 60th anniversary of the successful 1953 ascent of Everest join Sandra Noel as she recounts her father’s role as a pioneer of Everest photography and cinematography.
Everest, the First Ascent. The untold story of Griffith Pugh, the man who made it possible
Harriet Tuckey
- Monday 20 May 2013, 2.30pm-4.00pm
Griffith Pugh revolutionised almost every aspect of British high-altitude mountaineering. His innovative ideas ensured the success of the 1953 Everest expedition. Harriet, his daughter, will discuss his life and achievements.
Terra Incognita: women in the expedition archives, 1913-1986
Sarah Evans
- Monday 17 June 2013, 2.30pm-4.00pm
To mark the100th anniversary of the admission of women to the Society, Sarah uncovers the forgotten story of women’s participation in RGS-supported expeditions in the early- to mid-twentieth century.
Dr Livingstone I presume?
Dr Sarah Worden
- Monday 18 March 2013, 2.30pm-4.00pm
A fascinating insight by the curator of the National Museum of Scotland’s special exhibition Dr Livingstone I Presume? Commemorating the bicentenary of the birth of Scottish missionary explorer David Livingstone, objects from a number of institutions will be displayed and Sarah will reveal how Livingstone has been a catalyst for new connections between Scotland and Africa today. Followed by a display of charts, maps and artefacts from the Society’s Collections in the Foyle Reading Room until 4.30pm.
Collections On View events
Linked to selected exhibitions at the Society, these browsing displays (2.30pm to 4.00pm) include rare books, maps, photographs, images, artefacts and archival material relating to the subject of an exhibition. Located in the Society's Foyle Reading Room, many items on display are unique to the Society's Collections.
Free to RGS-IBG members, non-members £5. To book, telephone 020 7591 3044 or email showcase@rgs.org