Christopher Claxton Stevens has assiduously recorded every research article published in the RFS Newsletter since the first issue in 1985. This not only provides the Society with a comprehensive list of the shorter articles that have been produced over the years, but also a very useful finding aid for those accessing the Newsletter via public library collections. You can see the list here: Newsletter research articles.

Many thanks to Christopher for all his hard work in producing this document and very impressive to see the depth and diversity of RFS research over the years.

This week’s issue of Country Life magazine (May 14th) includes an article by RFS  journal editor Adam Bowett.

From the Country House to the Laboratory celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Furniture History Society which was founded in 1964 and he suggests some ways that the society may advance. Adam explains how research into furniture history and its related fields (largely through innovations from across the Atlantic) has moved forward in leaps and bounds over the succeeding years and how neglect by the FHS of the exciting field of vernacular furniture studies led to the formation of the Regional Furniture Society twenty years later.

He illustrates his arguments with photos of the evolution of period room displays at the Geffrye Museum in recent years and examples of scientific timber analysis of a 13th century coffer from Westminster.

Whilst promoting the work of both furniture societies, he ends his article by challenging the FHS to revisit it’s original aims and appears to suggest the unification of the two societies. Do get a copy before it disappears from your newsagent’s shelves on Tuesday.

Each year the RFS awards a  small number of research bursaries to current members. These  are designed to encourage and support research projects related to regional furniture, with a view to publication.

Recent projects that have been funded are:

• Dendrochronological dating of the ‘domed’ chest at Fordwich Town Hall, Kent. Awarded to Chris Pickvance.

• Research and recording of spinning wheels in the Victoria & Albert Museum and the London Science Museum. The grant was for travel, accommodation, photographic materials and photocopying. Awarded to Valerie Bryant.

There are also a number of small conference and study day bursaries. These are intended to encourage interest in the subject and support early-career professional members and students, particularly those who are new to the subject, to attend the annual RFS conference or an RFS meeting. For further details see the Bursaries information page and application form here.