James Tennant prize geological specimen box

James Tennant prize geological specimen box, awarded to R. C. Jewell by The University of London King's College Department of Geology, containing approximately 140 rock, mineral, gemstone and fossil specimens, many with old numberings (see accompanying list), the box (cracks to hinged cover) 38cm x 25cm x 19.5cm high

R. C. Jewell was born in London and educated at La Martiniere school in Calcutta, India, where his parents had moved for his father’s job.

Having passed his Cambridge Prelim Juniors and Seniors, he returned to England to continue his education aged 16 where he applied and was accepted at the University of London, Kings College. He took up his place in 1921 aged 17 where he passed his BSc in 1924 with Honours in Geology & Chemistry.

During his time at Kings College, he was awarded the Tennant Prize in Geology in 1923. The Calendar states that there were two Tennant Prizes, one in Geology, and one another Mineralogy, and that these were founded by means of a legacy bequeathed to the College by the former Professor of Mineralogy, James Tennant. The prizes were based on the results of the year’s work, and had a collective annual value of approximately £15, which was awarded in books or instruments. This box, which belonged to Mr Jewell, is one of Tennant’s small polished mahogany chests with a hinged lid. Inside are five wooden trays, each fitted with small cardboard trays with various specimens of rocks, minerals and fossils - an example of the collections Tennant used to sell.

Jewell continued his education at the Royal School of Mines, University of London, gaining a degree in Metallurgy in 1927, after which he returned to Calcutta as Chief Chemist at the Manganese Mines of Messrs. Bird and Co, where he later became the Manager. He returned to England in 1931 to take up various research positions at companies such as Sheffield Smelting Company, where he became the Metallurgical Director, and as a Director at Pilkington Brothers.