Dear Professor Goddard and Dr Bullock
Sale of historic books from the Dorchester Library
The Historic Libraries Forum was concerned to learn of the proposed sale of some of the books from the Dorchester Library Collection to secure the Royal College of Physician’s financial situation. We understand that the books considered for sale may include one of the surviving copies of The Canterbury Tales, a psalter owned by John Dee, astronomer to Elizabeth I, and The Recuyell of Historyes of Troye by Raoul LefÈvre.
These books have been in RCP ownership for over 300 years, thus have survived earlier pandemics and world wars, yet are considered for sale now? These are challenging times for many organisations, but cherry picking particular treasures to sell from an established, donated collection is extremely short-sighted. The value of such books lies in keeping the collection together, where the story of how it was created and that relationship with medical history and the history of the RCP can be properly told.
Pre-Coronavirus the RCP celebrated its historic collections, joining the London Knowledge Quarter. The College hosted a highly successful exhibition of John Dee books which now appear to be among those considered for sale. The collections have attracted visitors to hire the building’s facilities, thus contributing to income generation while in situ. Selling books puts at risk the RCP’s Museum Accreditation, as well as attracting negative publicity and reputational damage, all of which will deter future visitors once this pandemic is over. Losing Accreditation would negatively affect the RCP’s ability to apply for funding grants in the future. Future donors to the RCP will be lost if they see that the College is prepared to dispose of bequests made in the past.
We would be more than happy to offer further professional advice during these discussions. Please do not hesitate to call upon us.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Jill Dye
On behalf of the Historic Libraries Forum
Historic Libraries Forum 