The archives stand as testimony to the important work of veterinary practitioners, and of the College itself. These diverse collections preserve the evidence of changes in veterinary practices and advances in veterinary science, as well as being rich in human-interest stories.
Our collections include:
- Records of the RCVS, including documents relating to the College’s foundation, minutes of Council and committees from 1844 onwards, and papers concerning the College’s administration, strategies and interaction with the wider profession.
- Papers of veterinary organisations such as the Society of Women Veterinary Surgeons, the Victoria Veterinary Benevolent Fund and the Animal Health Trust.
- Personal papers from noted members of the profession, including our former President Dame Olga Uvarov, army veterinary officer Major General Sir Frederick Smith and bovine fertility expert Connie Ford.
- Records from individual practices, including day books, clients lists and financial accounts. Also several 18th and 19th century receipt books giving ‘recipes’ or lists of medicines.
- Lecture notes taken by students including from Professor Edward Coleman’s lectures at the Royal Veterinary College and St Thomas’ Hospital (1809-1833).
Our extensive collection of paintings and photographs of past Presidents, Fellows and other eminent individuals are currently housed in secure offsite storage. However, a number of images from this collection can be seen online on Art UK.
