| Members of the Archives and Records community will be saddened to learn that Richard Olney, formerly of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts (HMC), died on 9th August after a long illness. Richard began his career at Lincolnshire Archives and was subsequently an Assistant Keeper at the HMC. Whilst there, he edited and researched a number of publications including guides to politicians’ papers and family and estate collections. The latter drew on his extensive knowledge of the records produced by prominent landed families. In retirement he published a history of the Dixon family of Lincolnshire and the book ‘English Archives: An Historical Survey’, published by Liverpool University Press with support from the British Records Association (BRA). He was an active supporter of the BRA and a member of its Council for many years, and was awarded honorary membership of the Association in recognition of his work and service. There will be no funeral as he expressed a wish to donate his body to the London Anatomy Office, but a celebration of his life is planned for later this year.
Matti Watton – Chair of Trustees |