Russell (Lord Odo) Collection

Identity Statement

Reference code(s)	: GB 0103 MS ADD 254
Held at	: University College London   Click here to find out how to view this collection at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/Library/special-coll ›
Full title	: Russell (Lord Odo) Collection
Date(s)	: 1756-1849
Level of description	: Collection (fonds)
Extent	: 5 boxes
Name of creator(s)	: Russell | Odo William Leopold | 1829-1884 | 1st Baron Ampthill | ambassador
Detailed catalogue	: Click here to view repository detailed catalogue

Context

Administrative/Biographical history:

Lord Odo Russell was born in Florence on 20 February 1829, the son of Major-General Lord George William Russell. He was educated by tutors and his mother, and became fluent in French, Italian and German. His diplomatic career started in 1849, when he was appointed an Attaché at the Embassy in Vienna. From then on, his career took him to London, Paris, the United States, Italy and Germany. He was at the Foreign Office in London from 1850 to 1852; and in Italy, mainly Rome, for twelve years, 1858-1870. In 1871 he became an Ambassador in Berlin, and by his tact and sincerity, encouraged understanding between the English and German governments. On 7 March 1881, Russell was created Baron Ampthill of Ampthill in Bedfordshire. In 1868 he married Lady Emily Theresa Villiers and had four sons and two daughters. He died on 25 August 1884 and was buried at Chenies in Buckinghamshire.

Content

Scope and content/abstract:

Collection of autograph letters, 1756-1849, brought together by Lord Odo Russell. The correspondents are mainly European scientists, including Nikolaus Joseph and his son Joseph Franz Freiherr von Jacquin, both Professor of Chemistry and Botany at Vienna University; the zoologist Leopold Joseph Franz Johann Fitzinger; and the botanist István Laszló Endlicher. The letters concern the natural sciences, the medical sciences, the physical sciences, the arts, theology, dealers, diplomats and statesmen, and others. There is also a note from Beethoven (post 1824) and a letter from Goethe (1807).

Access & Use

Language/scripts of material:
German; occasional letters in other European languages

System of arrangement:

Conditions governing access:

Open.

Conditions governing reproduction:

Normal copyright restrictions apply.

Finding aids:

A draft handlist and draft subject index are available. Please contact Special Collections for further information.

Archival Information

Archival history:

Immediate source of acquisition:

Found in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at University College London in December 1976.

Allied Materials

Related material:

National Register of Archives: Click here to view NRA record

Publication note:

Description Notes

Archivist's note:

Rules or conventions:

Date(s) of descriptions:
1999