Robert Davies Roberts extends an invitation for a meeting on 21 May 1908 concerning the London Pageant of 1909 organised by the London University Extension Board. The meeting will discuss the suggestion of the Historical Committee of the London Pageant (1909) to arrange historical lectures in various boroughs of London on the history of the city and its relation to the history of the nation. The meeting will also address the opportunities the University of London offers through its University Extension Scheme. Municipal authorities, mayors of all boroughs and members of the Extension of University Teaching were also invited. Mentions H.J. Mackinder, Lord Avebury, Lord Milner, Lord Shuttleworth, Lord Bishop of Stepney, Canon Barnett.
Sin títuloThe agenda details matters to be discussed at the meeting on 1 July and the resolution passed at the conference held at the University of London on 24 June.
Expresses interest in the Masque of Learning. Regrets not being able to attend the meeting of that day. Informs the secretary he will be unable to help in any way as he is away from home and will return in March.
Mr. and Mrs Findlay regret they are unable to accept the invitation of the Semi Jubilee Committee of the University Hall to become members of the General Committee.
Agrees to join the General Committee of the ‘Masque of Learning’.
Acknowledges receipt of Miss Campbell Noble’s letter of 30 January and regrets not being able to join in the Masque due to his work on the Scots Guards History which is overdue. Would be happy to contribute financially and wishes Miss Campbell Noble success.
Informs Miss Campbell Noble that Mr. George Brown is willing to take part in the Masque and that generals appeals have been made to the Classical Society and the Greek Class.
Apologises for the delay in answering Miss Campbell Noble’s letter. Regrets not being able to help, as she has sold most of the copies of Mr. Holes’ drawings and suggests Andrew Rop or the W.S. Library might have copies. Will look for an address book Miss Campbell Noble had asked for and get back to her. Mentions Philip Hepburn. Believes the masque will be beautiful.
Asks for the support of the recipient society and its members for the success of the ‘Masque of Learning’, which would contribute to the extension of Collegiate Residence, a desirable development of university life. Encloses a sketch programme [not extant] which indicates the scope and interest of the Masque, among which the history, present and future of the University of Edinburgh. Signed by Frank caird, W.R. Hardie, A.F. Giles, W.W. Taylor, J.E. Henderson, Charles Scott Moncrieff and A. Ernest Warr.
Congratulates Patrick Geddes on the ‘Masque of Learning’, calling it ‘a real triumph' and noting its great success.
Thanks Anna Geddes for her letter and reassures her regarding an incident involving some of the boys from the Royal High School who could not see the Masque although they had tickets. Informs Mrs. Geddes that the Masque was ‘splendid’ and ‘the best thing [he] ever saw’. Eagerly awaits the autumn repetition of the masque. Mentions Patrick Geddes.
Sin títuloThanks Anna Geddes for congratulating all cast members of the Masque, including herself. Expresses her admiration for the Masque and reflects on its capacity to summarize thousands of years in just moments, the historical heritage of mankind, the passing nature of time and the condition of man as a mere ‘puppet’. Thoughts on education at the Academy, which she considers ‘soul destroying’ and fit to ‘produce only dullards’, ‘ a gigantic comedy with the great essentials left out’.
Acknowledges receipt of Patrick Geddes’ note. Praises the ‘Masque of Learning’, considering it ‘a rich, beautiful and instructive way of celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Edinburgh’s University. Would like Geddes to keep her informed about the next performance dates. Mentions the book on the ‘Masque of Learning’, the pamphlet on the ‘Civic Survey of Edinburgh’ and sends her compliments to Anna Geddes.
Is grateful for the four books on the ‘Masque of Learning’ which Patrick and Anna Geddes have sent as a token of their appreciation. Praises the Masque and accepts an invitation to lunch. Mentions Miss Hay.
Sin títuloThanks Patrick Geddes for donating a copy of the ‘Masque of Learning’, which was deposited in the Library of the Royal Institution.