A research resource for Rothschild family collections
The Rothschilds were dedicated collectors. From books to butterflies, stamps to silver, they vied among themselves to develop the most spectacular collections. The great Rothschild houses were perfect settings for silverware, porcelain and art. Others, with scientific inclinations, sought out zoological and horticultural specimens.
Not content with merely gathering, the Rothschilds acquired the skills to develop collections of significance, adding to the knowledge of scientists and art historians worldwide. Many collections were bequeathed to libraries, galleries and museums, where they can be seen today.
Open to Research Forum members, researchers can now browse through the following sections of the Rothschild Collections microsite:
Collections: Home - Introduction to the site
Collections: Collections - Short introductions to a range of Rothschild collecting passions and interests, from Arms & Armour to Snuff boxes. With a link to the estates pages with info about the great Rothschild houses.
Collections: The Rothschild Genealogy - Links to the interactive family tree, so that researchers can trace branches and track how collections may have passed through the family.
Collections: Le Gout Rothschild - An essay on the Rothschild style and taste.
Collections: Sources - Guides to sources in RAL collections:
- List of sales of major ‘Rothschild’ collections: 1850-1900; 1901-1950; 1951-2000; 2001-present
- List of sale catalogues held by the Rothschild Archive London, organised alphabetically under name of Rothschild family members
- Inventories: Complete list of inventories and descriptions of collections held by the Rothschild Archive London, organised alphabetically under name of Rothschild family members
- Rothschild wills and bequests: Complete list of wills held by the Rothschild Archive London, organised alphabetically under name of Rothschild family member
- Receipts and accounts: advice to researchers trying to track down papers about individual collections or pieces
- Correspondence and other papers: advice to researchers trying to track down papers, with sections relating to the English family, French family and Austrian family
- Restitution: advice to researchers about papers held by the Rothschild Archive London and links to other external sources for restitution research
Existing Rothschild Research Forum members Go to The Rothschild Collections microsite »
