3-028-146 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The King knighting Mr. Cecil H. Smith, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1909. "Rise, Sir Cecil Smith'': The Director of the new museum honoured. Drawn by our special artist, A. Forestier. The King knighting Mr. Cecil H. Smith, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum. After he had opened the Museum, the King went to the West Hall. There a number of those associated with the building and the management of the Museum were presented, and the Clerk of Works handed his Majesty an address on behalf of the artisans and craftsmen. Mr. Cecil H. Smith, the Director of the Museum, was then called forward...He knelt before his Majesty, who touched him on each shoulder with a sword, and on his rising both the King and Queen shook hands with him and offered their congratulations. Sir Cecil Smith was formerly at the British Museum, as Keeper of Greek and Roman Antiquities, and was appointed Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum a few months ago. Sir Aston Webb, the architect of the Museum, has been made a Companion of the Bath'. From "Illustrated London News", 1909.