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FRIENDS, ASSOCIATES & PATRONS of Stonyhurst Museum & Archives
it was always pleasant to Lord Arundell to think that at his death such a testimony of his gratitude & affection to the College where he received his education, would be made & that his books would be bestowed on those [in] every way worthy of them. He often said that it encouraged him to persevere in collecting them. I trust therefore that God will enable me to see this intention perfected and then may my broken heart be laid at rest. Lady Arundell, on the bequest of her husband’s library to Stonyhurst in 1835
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WELCOME! We are delighted to introduce the Stonyhurst Museum & Archives Friends, Associates & Patrons organisation. This brochure outlines the opportunities and benefits this programme will bring, both to this unique and internationally significant collection, and to those who join us in supporting it for the future. 2024 is the second year of this programme, and the annual programme will conclude at the end of the calendar year. Over the course of this year, there will be many opportunities and events for those who join with us to explore more of the collections at Stonyhurst. The support of our Friends, Associates and Patrons has been an invaluable for the work of the Museum, Historic Libraries and Archives in preserving the internationally important collections, artefacts and manuscripts with which generations of donors have entrusted Stonyhurst. In joining this scheme, you can play a crucial part in a centuries long tradition of cultural, educational and spiritual philanthropy. Thank you for your consideration; we hope you will choose to join us as a Friend or Associate, or become a member of the exclusive group of Patrons. For more information, please contact museumandarchives@stonyhurst.ac.uk.
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We look forward to welcoming you to Stonyhurst to explore our remarkable and unique Museum & Archives.
Dr Janet Graffius Curator of Collections
Mr Joseph Reed Archivist Above: The Arundell Window, late 19thC
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WHY OUR COLLECTION MATTERS
It encapsulates centuries of British medieval and post-Reformation memory and culture, including some of the most important names in our history: Thomas Becket, Elizabeth of York, Thomas More, Mary Stuart, William Shakespeare. This remarkable array of rare and beautiful artefacts of staggering historical significance began with an equally extraordinary history of clandestine salvage and smuggling overseas to safety. From the College’s founding in 1593, as a school in exile for English Catholic boys at St Omers near Calais, parents entrusted their sons to cross the seas to be educated by the Jesuits.
Along with the boys, families sent salvaged artefacts of the pre- and post-Reformation periods for safekeeping, and to inspire and inform the boys’ educational formation. Rare survivals from the Reformation were augmented in the 17th century by impressive examples of Baroque silver and vestments. Succeeding centuries brought important donations of early printed books, art works by Turner, Dürer and Rembrandt, a First Folio, scientific and world collections, and an archive that spans the 12th century to the present day. These diverse resources are interpreted and presented by professional curatorial and archival staff to enrich the education of children not only at our own school, but for partner schools further afield as part of an increasing world community who can access these unique educational programmes through the internet.
WHY
Stonyhurst College houses the oldest museum collection in the English-speaking world, dating back to 1609.
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WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS And so, we are asking you if you could help us to continue the work that commenced in 1609 and continues today: to preserve and interpret these unique collections to inspire generations to come. By becoming a Friend, Associate or Patron of the Stonyhurst Museum & Archives, you will have the opportunity to enrich lives, help safeguard an internationally significant collection, and stimulate new discoveries and research.
Conserve our collections Ensure they continue to educate and inspire current and future generations Share our collections with the public through workshops, lectures, exhibitions and the web. Your support will help protect this unique asset whilst enabling the work of individuals, be they school children or scholars, as they explore new experiences and generate new ideas.
WHY
You will join a succession of great benefactors, including popes and monarchs, who have supported this College in its role preserving and interpreting the collective memory of Catholicism in Britain.
As a charity, we need your generous support to:
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The rescue and preservation of these collections in the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulties and penalties tell us so much about mankind’s universal history of repression and intolerance, of conscience and freedom of thought, of courage and betrayal, but ultimately, they tell us about love. The love of a human being for their maker, the love shown within beleaguered families and repressed communities, the love demonstrated by those who faithfully record the truth of the life and death of others, and the love shown by succeeding generations who have preserved the memories of those they revere, often at great peril to themselves, keeping the stories of their predecessors alive, and passing them on to new audiences. These objects are all about human stories of love, courage, betrayal and conscience. And it is through such stories that we understand the past and inform and inspire the generations of the future. Dr Jan Graffius Curator of the Stonyhurst Museum
Opposite: The Virgin and Child, Boardman MS 35, defaced during the English Reformation
Overleaf: 1. detail, 'Homilies of Gregory the Great,' Boardman MS 7, c.1168-1183 2. Elizabeth Weld, by Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680) 3. detail, Henry VII Chasuble, c.1495 4. 'The Boys' Refectory' at Stonyhurst, by Roger Fenton (1819-1869) Pg. 5
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BENEFITS OF BEING A PATRON A complimentary joining gift pack, including St Omers Press literature, upon joining the scheme;
BEING A PATRON
A membership card and lanyard to use when visiting the Museum & Archives; Unlimited free entry for the Patron and a guest to
This unique opportunity to be a Patron of the Stonyhurst Museum & Archives offers you a variety of benefits not offered or provided to others.
the Museum and Historic Libraries during summer opening times; One annual exclusive access tour for the Patron and a small group (up to 10 people) by arrangement in advance, at a time deemed appropriate by the Curator;
With opportunities to go behind the scenes, learn directly from our Curator and Archivist, attend dedicated bespoke events and meet other inquisitive supporters.
e-Newsletters from the team; Discounted Museum & Archives literature (discounted 40%); Patrons-only opportunities for annual exclusive behind-the-scenes events with the Curator and/or
You will become part of a vibrant group at the heart of the Stonyhurst Museum & Archives.
Archivist; The option to be included as a supporter on our Friends, Associates and Patrons webpage; Invitations to special one-off events, such as
£500 PER YEAR
external loan exhibitions. Recent such events have included private views at the British Museum and Hampton Court Palace. Note: Events may be subject to change and are dictated by the academic calendar.
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BENEFITS OF BEING AN ASSOCIATE A complimentary joining pack of museum postcards, Stonyhurst headed
notepad and a
copy ‘Stonyhurst‘ by T.E Muir upon joining the scheme;
BEING AN ASSOCIATE This opportunity to be an Associate of the Stonyhurst Museum & Archives offers you a variety of additional benefits and unique experiences.
A membership card and lanyard to use when visiting the Museum & Archives; Unlimited free entry for the Associate and a guest to visit the Museum and Historic Libraries during summer opening times; e-newsletters from the team; Discounted Museum & Archives literature
In addition to the benefits of Friends, Associates will be entitled to attend exclusive events with the Museum & Archives.
(discounted 25%); Priority booking for public guided tours and events; The option to be included as a supporter on our Friends, Associates and Patrons webpage;
Through this more personalised access, Associates will gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the collection they help to preserve.
Invitations to exclusive evenings with the Curator and Archivist.
£250 PER YEAR Pg. 9
BENEFITS OF BEING A FRIEND A complimentary pack of museum postcards upon joining the scheme;
BEING A FRIEND Becoming a Friend of the Stonyhurst Museum & Archives offers you a variety of benefits, and the knowledge you are playing an essential part in the preservation of this unique and internationally important collection. You will have priority access to the Museum and Historic Libraries, to attend events, and to meet other inquisitive supporters.
£60 PER YEAR Pg. 10
A membership card to use when visiting the Museum & Historic Libraries; Unlimited free entry to the Museum & Historic Libraries during summer opening times; e-newsletters from the team; Discounted Museum & Archives literature (discounted 10%); Priority booking for public guided tours and events.
HOWTO JOIN Becoming a Friend, Associate or Patron of the Stonyhurst Museum & Archives is easy! Please visit our website to complete your application form. www.stonyhurst.ac.uk/support-themuseum
A simple process for such wonderful benefits. NOTES: Friends, Associates & Patrons will be sent an annual reminder to renew the subscription. Stonyhurst Museum & Archives reserve the right to remove and change any of the listed benefits and costs. Friends, Associates and Patrons will be informed of any changes to subscription costs before annual renewal. By signing up as a Friend, Associate or Patron, you are giving permission for Stonyhurst to hold your personal information on their database. Your contact information and details will not be shared with any third party, but may be shared with internal departments, including but not limited to: the Stonyhurst Development Office, Stonyhurst Enterprises, and the Stonyhurst Association Office.
Above: The Keene Crucifix, constructed c.1780-1820, with 17thC corpus and panel painting
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO GIVE A GIFT WITHOUT RECEIVING BENEFITS? If you would like to support the work of the Stonyhurst Museum & Archives with a regular gift but do not want to receive Friend, Associate, or Patron benefits, such as invitations to events, please get in touch. By helping in this way, you will be providing vital support across the Museum & Archives work, from world-leading research to public displays and education programmes. We will be pleased to keep you up to date on our work through termly e-newsletters, so that you can see the impact of your donation.
CONTACT Email: museumandarchives@stonyhurst.ac.uk
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For considering this,
THANK YOU! Overleaf: 1. Sir Edward Vavasour, by Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830) 2. St Sebastian, Lucca Chasuble detail, c.1490 3. Deed of Leagram, between Sir Richard Shireburn and Philip and Mary,1555/6 4. Mama Occlo, South American school, 18thC 5. Guyanan armadillos, Waterton Collection, c.1820 6. Frontispiece of the Stonyhurst First Folio 7. 'Stonyhurst Hall, 1799,' JMW Turner (1775-1851) 8. The Cuzco Madonna, South American school, 17thC LDS