Ballot Box

RA Collection: Art

This ballot box was used in the final stage of the election process for new Members of the Royal Academy. The box has two holders on the top of the box for the names of the last two candidates up for election. Academicians would then have placed a ball through the front opening and chosen whether to place a ball to the left or right and in this way placing their vote confidentially. A silver plaque on the front of the box reads 'Detur Dignori' which translates as 'let it be given to the more worthy'.