not so sure there is Tim ......... although if you search the web using - The National Archives at Kew - then you should get all you need in the way of guidance on proposed visits and their requirements re security etc., and how to handle difficult, heavy and old books etc. - they're very keen on showing you to handle some of the older registers. If you do get to Kew you'll see why - some of the C19 registers are 9 - 10" thick and need a wheelbarrow to move them.
Don't know where you are in the U.K., or if it would be your intention to visit in person, but do read the guidance notes before visiting because from memory you can't just turn up and start looking through their records.
You will need to complete forms etc., and provide a passport type photo, in order to get a readers card, and this may take more than one day to process. Understandably, there are very strict security measures in place - just so that people don't walk of with - for example - Shakespeare's will, and there are limits on what you can and can't have on your person when you enter and exit. Rubbers, chewing gum, ink pens are not allowed (all of which I've fallen foul of at one time or another) - although cameras are o.k., and if you take items into the building these must be contained within a clear plastic folder so they can be seen. The contents of these folders are checked on entry and exit.
If you choose to enlist the help of their professional researchers, then this will cost money.
Through the discussions and arrangements between Bernard Cavalot, myself, and the Trustees at Kew, several years ago, The Glass Message Board now has permission to reproduce images and data from the Kew archives, on the Board.
It's part of the National Archive Trustee's agreement with the GMB that any images shown here must carry a watermark, which isn't a problem, and if you punch the word 'watermark' into the Board's search you should bring up the link that Bernard posted some while back, and you can copy the link and download for your own use - it's a very good app, and one which I use for all the watermarking when I post Kew's pix on pressed glass, here on the Board.
Of course, if you don't intend to post into the public domain then there's no need to watermark.
I've also persuaded the V. & A. to offer the same facility, but from memory think I've only once shown glass from their galleries.
Can only repeat though that from experience it's almost certain that you aren't going to find the sort of information you appear to be seeking, from the Kew archives, although would be useful to have pix showing the original drawings/photos submitted to the Board of Trade, for 736503.
Just out of interest I notice that the Glass Association Blue Book includes two more Rd. Nos. from the same Registrant, on the preceding day.
Nos. 736470 and 736471 - would be interesting to know what these related to.
Topic: elfverson vases - design registration numbers question (Read 2319 times)
