Reference code
RAA/SEC/7/15/4
Title
R. Norman Shaw, 29 Bloomsbury Square, London, W.C., to the President and Council
Date
23 Nov 1885
Level
Item
Extent & medium
4pp.
Previous reference codes
605, RAC/4/31
Historical Background
Council turned down Shaw's proposal on 24 November 1885, but asked him to investigate the feasibility and cost of lighting the whole of the building, Schools, and galleries with electricity. Shaw reported further on 26 January 1886: such a project could only be carried out by the construction of a sub-basement for the necessary machinery, at a cost of £7,000. A medium course, to light the Schools only, and the galleries on special occasions, could be achieved at a cost of £1,000 - £1,200. Council decided to let the matter stand for the present.
Content Description
A report on conditions in the Life School, following remarks on the "excessive heat and foulness of the air" there. Shaw found the thermometers standing at 83 and 84 degrees; the models in front of metal reflectors filled with gas burners "much resembling Dutch ovens", with streams of perspiration running down them; a large number of students working in their shirt sleeves; and some of the ventilators open, "through which were pouring draughts of bitterly cold air". The only remedy for all of this in Shaw's opinion is to replace the gas, with its excessive heat, with the electric light, which could easily be installed at a cost of £700 or £750, and would result in a saving of 200 feet of gas each evening.