George Buckston Browne collection on Down House

Content Description

Manuscript inventory or guide to Down House written by its owner, George Buckston Browne, together with letters, photographs, and ephemera from the late 1920's about the fanatical Darwinist's purchase, restoration, and finally presentation of his idol's home to the British Association for the Advancement of Science. Buckston Browne's correspondent in these letters is his friend, fellow surgeon and eugeniscist, Percival Macleod Yearsley. Their correspondence was prompted by the publicity surrounding Buckston Browne's gift to the British Association and the celebratory Garden Party held in June 1929 'on the occasion of the opening of Down House, the home of Darwin recently presented to the Association by Mr. Buckson Browne, F.R.C.S. in custody for the Nation' -- from Yearsley's printed invitation to the Garden Party. Running through the collection is a strand of near-religious veneration for Darwin and his possessions with Buckston Browne promising his friend that he will 'collect all the Darwiniana possible," make plans for an annual pilgrimage and rename Darwin's study "The Sacred Room."

Acquisition Type

Purchase

Provenance

Purchased, 1 April 2019.

Restrictions Apply

No