Griffith Institute Archive
Description of material
This description is based on the General International Standard Archival
Description ISAD(G)
1. Identity statement
Reference code n/a
Title Clarke MSS.
Dates of creation of the material 1880s to 1926.
Extent 7 boxes, 27 notebooks, 11 parcels, 8 rolls, and 1 album.
2. Context
Name of creator Clarke, Somers (1841-1926).
Administrative and biographical history
British architect and archaeologist. Born, Brighton 1841. Died, Mehamid 1926. Educated privately. His
first architectural appointment was with Sir Gilbert Scott where he was responsible for church
restorations. Surveyor of the Fabric, Sir Paul's Cathedral, 1897. Architect to the Dean and Chapter,
Chichester Cathedral, 1900. Took up residence in Egypt in the early 1900s after retiring from general
practice. Worked with J. J. Taylor at El Kâb, and was involved with the publishing of some of the
private tombs there. Assisted Quibell and Green at Hierakonpolis. Appointed to oversee the restoration
of buildings in Egypt, including ancient monuments. Published several books relating to his work on
excavations as well as architectural related works.
See Who Was Who in Egyptology (3rd ed. 1995), 100-1.
Custodial history Given to the Society of Antiquaries under the condition that the Keeper of the
Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities at the British Museum, and the Society of Antiquaries were able to
extract and retain relevant information for their respective archives. Any residue would then be passed
on to the Corporation of Brighton. In the event all three bodies waived their claim on these papers
which were then subsequently offered to the Griffith Institute.
Immediate source of acquisition Via Mr A. J. Collins, Keeper, Department of Manuscripts, British
Museum, 1947.
3. Content and structure
Scope and content Notebooks, notes, maps, plans, drawings, photographs, and correspondence. There
is a small amount of material amongst these papers relating to Westminster Abbey (correspondence).
System of arrangement Presumably kept as received. Correspondence arranged alphabetically.
4. Access and use
Legal status Property of the Griffith Institute.
Access conditions No restrictions.
Copyright conditions Copyright Griffith Institute, Oxford.
Language of material English.
Physical characteristics No problems.
Finding aids Catalogue.
5. Allied materials area
Location of originals These are originals.
Existence of copies None.
Related units of description None.
Associated material His negatives of el-Kâb are in the Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan,
British Museum.
Publications Publication details indicated in Clarke catalogue.
(February 2, 2004)