RUSSELL INSTITUTION. The House of the Russell Institution, in Great Coram Street, was purchased in 1808, from the Builder, Mr. James Burton, by the Managers. It had been recently erected on speculation, for the purpose of holding Assemblies and Balls. The Number of original Shares of Twenty-five Guineas each, was Five Hundred, which was subsequently extended to Seven Hundred Shares, and part of the purchase Money of the present Premises was paid in the newly-created Shares. The Building, comprising the Rooms occupied for the purpose of the Institution, and the Baths and spacious Vaults (which are let to sub-tenants), is held under a Lease for 99 years from the Duke of Bedford, subject to an original ground Rent of Ten Pounds per Annum. At the formation of the Institution, Nathaniel Highmore, L. L. D. was appointed to the office of Librarian: he was succeeded by Mr. G. Flack, on whose resignation in 1825, Mr. Edward Wedlake Brayley, F.A.S. was appointed to the joint offices of Secretary and Librarian, by the Managers and Committee. The first Committee was chosen by Ballot, according to the Rules, at a special Meeting of Proprietors held on the 20th of April 1808; and the following Gentlemen were selected from them to be Managers, on the 23rd of April, in the same year. The first Trustees were Sir Samuel Romilly, William Dickinson, Esq. M.P. and Mr. Serjeant Lens, who were elected at a Special General Meeting, on the 7th July, 1808. |