The Wandering Collection: The India Museum as a Representation of Empire (2015)

Undergraduate: Kayla Leonard

Faculty Advisor: Susan Pennybacker
Department: History

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In 19th century Britain, the India Museum existed first as a holding of the East India Company, then as an institution of the India Office, before finding its home with the South Kensington Museum. Throughout its lifespan in these three establishments, the museum was used a tool through which the British government and the British public could discuss varying perceptions of empire. From 1869-1879, the curators of this museum utilized its collections to promote trade and education. Eventually, however, due to public interest in the collections the museum became less about promoting an image of empire and more about promoting an image of the British people themselves.