| Description | Watercolour sketch of a Geological Society meeting in progress at Somerset House, probably by Henry Thomas DE LA BECHE, [c.1830]. The drawing depicts the President [?Adam Sedgwick], flanked by two Secretaries presumably in the middle of presenting a scientific paper as there are specimens on the table and diagrams on the wall behind. The Meeting Room's seating was arranged in Parliamentary style, the senior members of the Society seated on each side of the main table, and the Fellows in rows behind. Although a quick sketch, some Fellows can be identified, such as Henry De la Beche [glasses] and next to him is Roderick Impey Murchison. Next to Murchison might be John Phillips. Across the table are probably George Bellas Greenough, William Buckland and Charles Lyell. Behind this group may be Henry Warburton and Thomas Colby.
[Note: described in early card index as a 'Council Meeting'.] |
| Administrative History | Until the Society moved into Burlington House in 1874, the tradition was that the President or one of the Secretaries read the papers at the OGMs. |