History of the Royal Institution of Cornwall

Main staircase featuring bronze entitled At The Gates of The Past

Founded in 1818 as the Cornwall Literary and Philosophical Institution, the Royal Institution of Cornwall (RIC) was one of the earliest of seven similar societies established in England and Wales during the 19th century.   These voluntary bodies typically founded a library and museum, offered a lecture programme and scientific demonstrations, and gave instruction to the local working class population, well before state education was available.   Today the RIC (so called after receiving Royal patronage in 1821) remains true to its original aim, ‘to encourage and promote the study of literature, natural science, geography, archaeology, history, ethnology and fine and applied arts, with special reference to Cornwall’.

For over 150 years the RIC has acted as a publisher, an important and practical means of supporting local research.  The annual reports, produced from 1818 to 1864, and the annual Journal, produced thereafter, form a valuable local history resource.  The Journal continues to be highly respected worldwide.  Research is also encouraged by the award of various medals and prizes.

The Grade II building which has housed the RIC since 1919 was built in 1845 as the Truro Savings Bank, and subsequently became Henderson’s Mining School.  In 1986/7 the Institution acquired the adjacent Truro Baptist Chapel (1848).  Together these substantial granite-fronted buildings (linked with a new foyer and shop in 1998) form an imposing street frontage at the centre of the historic city of Truro; both buildings were designed by the local architect Philip Sambell who was deaf and without speech.  The remodelled and extended interiors are well-suited to the display of an extraordinary collection, an inspired education and events programme and excellent temporary exhibitions.

RIC History