Catalogue description The Back Collection

This record is held by Royal Geographical Society

Details of SGB
Reference: SGB
Title: The Back Collection
Description:

A collection of about 250 letters addressed to Back by various correspondents (listed by name) from 1848-78. Personal letters from Back to his family, 1813-1878. Photocopies of extracts from Back's sketchbook and slides of his sketches from 1819-22 expedition to Arctic. Passports. Framed letter with sketches of polar bear, 1874. Geographical subject headings: 1) ARCTIC OCEAN 2) CANADA

 

Passports in German, French Italian and Arabic

Date: 1814-1878
Arrangement:

Incoming letters are filed alphabetically. Back's letters are filed chronologically.

Related material:

RGS Archives - Correspondence Blocks 1830-33, 1834-40, 1841-50, 1851-60, 1861-70, 1871-80 (includes copy of Back's will). Jnl. Mss. Arctic 1837(2) and 1854.

Held by: Royal Geographical Society, not available at The National Archives
Copies held at:

Photocopies and slides taken from originals held by descendant of Back.

Language: English, French
Creator:

Back, Sir, George, 1796-1878, Knight

Physical description: 2 boxes, one outsized folder and one framed letter.
Physical condition: Some items are fragile. Quality of photocopies and slides is poor.
Restrictions on use:

Photocopying subject to the condition of each item and completion of an 'application for copies' form. No reproduction or publication without permission of the RGS-IBG.

Access conditions:

Access is via the Society's Foyle Reading Room and is free to Members and Fellows of the Society and to those in formal education (proof of educational status required e.g. a student/staff card or formal letter of introduction from your institution). For all other visitors a & #163;10 daily access fee applies. All visitors are required to provide personal i.d. such as a driving licence or passport.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The Back collection of letters are on indefinite loan from Mrs A W Holmes on behalf of John Pares.

Subjects:
  • Arctic Ocean
  • Canada
Unpublished finding aids:

The RGS archives: a handlist / compiled by Christine Kelly. London: RGS, 1977.

Administrative / biographical background:

See DNB: Vol II, pp.318-320. President of the Raleigh Club. FRGS 1836-1878. Vice President and member of Council. Gold Medallist - Royal award, 1835. Obit: Proceedings of RGS [NS] Vol. I, p.70.

Link to NRA Record:

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