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THE DIPLOMA COLLECTION |
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The RMS Diploma Collection comprises of 160 miniature paintings and 9 miniature sculptures donated to the Society by full RMS Members. Sometimes bequests from relatives of past RMS members have also been donated to the Collection. All these fine examples of miniature paintings or sculptures are most gratefully received and cared for by the Society. The Society was founded in 1895, and we have a plaster bust of the founder President Alyn Williams and four of his paintings.
At one time the Diploma Collection was lost along with documents and records of the Society, but these were partially recovered and indeed rescued by Suzanne Lucas HPRMS, who kept them in her home for a number of years. In 1995 to enable the Diploma Collection to be fully exhibited, 10 fine mahogany display cases were donated by Anita and Ernst Emmerich. The public was able to view this historical collection, both at the combined 100 Year Anniversary Exhibition and The World Exhibition in 1995, and at the Annual Exhibition 2001, both held at the Westminster Gallery, London. In 2002 Anita Emmerich RMS was appointed as Keeper of the Diploma Collection and it is now in her care. Over a period of time Anita has cleaned and restored the Collection, which involved some help from Michael Bartlett RMS, T & B Cousins Jewellers, Roger Green, R J W Products and Polymer Plus framers. This ongoing Collection is the property of the RMS and may not be sold. Elizabeth Meek PRMS has arranged that for the time being, some of the Collection will be on view in two of the display cases each year, at the RMS Annual Exhibition now held at The Mall Gallery, London. Newly appointed full members are invited as an honour, to donate one of their better works to the Diploma Collection for posterity.
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