Friends of Kelso Library visit the John Murray Archive
Thursday 18th October saw a group of 8 Friends of Kelso Library meeting at the National Library of Scotland, to view the latest national treasure – the John Murray Archive.
We were greeted by Rachel Thomas, the assistant curator and taken to a room where she explained the programme for the visit.
David McClay, the curator joined us to introduce us to the Archive. A short film was shown giving an insight as to the span of the seven generations, from the first John Murray who opened his business in 1768 to the seventh who sold the collection to the library.
Then we were off!
The actual exhibition is entered through a replica of the front door of the firm’s premises at 50 Albemarle Street, London. Inside it is quite dark for preservation purposes. The scene is set as a Victorian drawing room, where Murray (that would be the second John Murray) entertained his ‘four o’clock friends’ – Walter Scott, James Hogg and Lord Byron were amongst the group.
With the large fireplace, and lots of books, (available for people to pick up and browse through) it is not hard to imagine them all gathering to discuss the news and gossip of the day. This fireplace would be similar to the one in which because of their content the memoirs of Byron were burned after his death.
The “first eleven” as David McClay calls them – are only the tip of the iceberg from all the publications, letters and documents available. There are over 16,000 available at present and the post 1920 collection has still to arrive at the library! Selecting the first eleven was a very difficult task, however the list includes some famous and some not so famous names.
They are - in no particular order
David Livingstone
Lord Byron
Sir Walter Scott
James Hogg
Mary Somerville
Isabella Bird Bishop
Charles Darwin
Maria Rundell
Benjamin Disraeli
Sir Robert Peel
Sir Austen Layard
The exhibition will change on a regular basis to introduce new characters and refresh old friends.
After we had spent a very interesting time viewing the exhibition, David and Rachel gave us tea and answered our many questions.
Friends of Kelso Library would like to thank David and Rachel for their inspiring tour.
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