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Foreign Secretary Collection

"The Evolution of Foreign Secretaries: From Diplomacy to Leadership" The role of the foreign secretary has been a pivotal one throughout history

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The Royal Society (engraving)

The Royal Society (engraving)
1046913 The Royal Society (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Royal Society, a Portrait Group of some of the Most Distinguished Fellows)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The opening of the Hartley Institution at Southampton by Lord Palmerston... 1862. Creator: Unknown

The opening of the Hartley Institution at Southampton by Lord Palmerston... 1862. Creator: Unknown
The opening of the Hartley Institution at Southampton by Lord Palmerston: arrival of His Lordship at the Institution, 1862

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The Award of Prizes at the International Exhibition... 1862. Creator: Unknown

The Award of Prizes at the International Exhibition... 1862. Creator: Unknown
The Award of Prizes at the International Exhibition: Earl Granville, President of the Royal Commission, reading the address, 1862

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Presentation of Lord Palmerston's portrait to the inhabitants of Dover... 1862. Creator: Unknown

Presentation of Lord Palmerston's portrait to the inhabitants of Dover... 1862. Creator: Unknown
Presentation of Lord Palmerston's portrait to the inhabitants of Dover - the Premier addressing the town council in the Maison Dieu Hall

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Opening of the International Exhibition: Earl Granville presenting the address to the Duke... 1862

Opening of the International Exhibition: Earl Granville presenting the address to the Duke... 1862
Opening of the International Exhibition: Earl Granville presenting the address to the Duke of Cambridge - from a photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The Commissioners of the International Exhibition of 1862. Creator: M Jackson

The Commissioners of the International Exhibition of 1862. Creator: M Jackson
The Commissioners of the International Exhibition of 1862. Top row: the Duke of Buckingham, Mr. Thomas Baring; centre: Earl Granville; bottom row: Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke and Mr

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Dr David Owen with the other three members of the 'Gang of Four'

Dr David Owen with the other three members of the "Gang of Four"
Dr David Owen with the other three members of the " Gang of Four" Left to right William Rodgers, Shirley Williams, Roy Jenkins, David Owen

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Right Hon. George Hamilton Gordon, Earl of Aberdeen, c1810, (c1884). Creator: Unknown

Right Hon. George Hamilton Gordon, Earl of Aberdeen, c1810, (c1884). Creator: Unknown
Right Hon. George Hamilton Gordon, Earl of Aberdeen, c1810, (c1884). George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen (1784-1860), British statesman, diplomat Scottish landowner and Peelite

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Lord Palmerston, c1850, (c1880). Creator: Unknown

Lord Palmerston, c1850, (c1880). Creator: Unknown
Lord Palmerston, c1850, (c1880). Henry John Temple (1784-1865) British statesman who served twice as Prime Minister and dominated British foreign policy from 1830 to 1865

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The cabinet of Ramsay MacDonald, 1931, (1935). Creator: Unknown

The cabinet of Ramsay MacDonald, 1931, (1935). Creator: Unknown
The cabinet of Ramsay MacDonald, 1931, (1935). British politicians in the newly formed National Government which contained members of the Conservative Party, Liberals

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Prince Charming and the Sleeping Beauty, 1912. Artist: Leonard Raven-Hill

Prince Charming and the Sleeping Beauty, 1912. Artist: Leonard Raven-Hill
Prince Charming and the Sleeping Beauty, 1912. Prince Charming, representing Sir Edward Grey (lst Viscount of Fallodon) British Foreign Secretary 1905-1916 prepares to wake the sleeping figure of

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Sir Stafford Northcote, between 1860 and 1875. Creator: Unknown

Sir Stafford Northcote, between 1860 and 1875. Creator: Unknown
Sir Stafford Northcoat [sic], between 1860 and 1875. [British politician Northcote first entered Parliament in 1855 as Conservative MP for Dudley

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The New Conservative Government, a Cabinet Council (engraving)

The New Conservative Government, a Cabinet Council (engraving)
1058653 The New Conservative Government, a Cabinet Council (engraving) by Durand, Godefroy (1832-1896); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Conservative Government, a Cabinet Council)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Henry John Temple, 1860-69. Creator: Henry Hering

Henry John Temple, 1860-69. Creator: Henry Hering
Henry John Temple, 1860-69. [Portrait of Lord Palmerston, British Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs]. Albumen print

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The Life of Sir Moses Montefiore (engraving)

The Life of Sir Moses Montefiore (engraving)
1041035 The Life of Sir Moses Montefiore (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Life of Sir Moses Montefiore)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The Right Honourable the Earl of Iddesleigh (engraving)

The Right Honourable the Earl of Iddesleigh (engraving)
1050240 The Right Honourable the Earl of Iddesleigh (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Right Honourable the Earl of Iddesleigh)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Lord Salisburys New Cabinet (b / w photo)

Lord Salisburys New Cabinet (b / w photo)
1100001 Lord Salisburys New Cabinet (b/w photo) by English photographer, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Lord Salisburys New Cabinet)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: George William Frederick Villiers, 4th Earl of Clarendon, British statesman and diplomat (litho)

George William Frederick Villiers, 4th Earl of Clarendon, British statesman and diplomat (litho)
3100153 George William Frederick Villiers, 4th Earl of Clarendon, British statesman and diplomat (litho) by Watkins, John (fl.1840-75) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Arthur James Balfour, 1902 (b / w photo)

Arthur James Balfour, 1902 (b / w photo)
5962933 Arthur James Balfour, 1902 (b/w photo) by London Stereoscopic Company (1854-1922); Private Collection; (add.info.: 1st Earl of Balfour 1848-1930) Scottish born philosopher and politician

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The Lame leading the Blind, pub. 1832 (coloured engraving)

The Lame leading the Blind, pub. 1832 (coloured engraving)
2958355 The Lame leading the Blind, pub. 1832 (coloured engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Mr Canning, 1827 (engraving)

Mr Canning, 1827 (engraving)
811097 Mr Canning, 1827 (engraving) by Hall, Henry Bryan I (1808-84) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Canning, 1827. Engraving by H B Hall.); Look and Learn / Elgar Collection

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Edward Grey, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon, 1920s

Edward Grey, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon, 1920s
3507496 Edward Grey, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon, 1920s by Ritchie, Alick Penrose Forbes (1868-1938); (add.info.: Players cigarette card depicting Edward Grey)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The New Ministry (engraving)

The New Ministry (engraving)
1591186 The New Ministry (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Ministry. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 27 June 1885)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Arthur James Balfour, 1930s

Arthur James Balfour, 1930s
3507457 Arthur James Balfour, 1930s by Ritchie, Alick Penrose Forbes (1868-1938); (add.info.: Players cigarette card depicting Arthur James Balfour, 1st Earl of Balfour)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Charles James Fox, English Whig politician (engraving)

Charles James Fox, English Whig politician (engraving)
3647642 Charles James Fox, English Whig politician (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Charles James Fox (1749-1806), English Whig politician

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Phaeton Alarm d, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1808 (etching, engraving

Phaeton Alarm d, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1808 (etching, engraving
NCO189785 Phaeton Alarm d, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1808 (etching, engraving, aquatint & w/c) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); 34x37.4 cm; Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary (colour photo)

Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary (colour photo)
3102288 Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary (colour photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The New Conservative Cabinet (engraving)

The New Conservative Cabinet (engraving)
1045100 The New Conservative Cabinet (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Conservative Cabinet)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Anthony Eden, English Conservative politician and Foreign Secretary during World War II (photo)

Anthony Eden, English Conservative politician and Foreign Secretary during World War II (photo)
6015194 Anthony Eden, English Conservative politician and Foreign Secretary during World War II (photo) by English Photographer

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The New Ministry, the Cabinet (engraving)

The New Ministry, the Cabinet (engraving)
1601488 The New Ministry, the Cabinet (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Ministry, the Cabinet)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The Late M Barthelemy Saint Hilaire (engraving)

The Late M Barthelemy Saint Hilaire (engraving)
1056774 The Late M Barthelemy Saint Hilaire (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Late M Barthelemy Saint Hilaire)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Arthur James Balfour, 1926 (colour litho)

Arthur James Balfour, 1926 (colour litho)
473357 Arthur James Balfour, 1926 (colour litho) by Ritchie, Alick Penrose Forbes (1868-1938); Private Collection; (add.info.: Arthur James Balfour, 1st Earl of Balfour (1848-1930)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Arthur Balfour, British Conservative politician and Prime Minister (b / w photo)

Arthur Balfour, British Conservative politician and Prime Minister (b / w photo)
6015389 Arthur Balfour, British Conservative politician and Prime Minister (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Arthur Balfour (1848-1930)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: George Canning, English Tory politician and Prime Minister (engraving)

George Canning, English Tory politician and Prime Minister (engraving)
5233730 George Canning, English Tory politician and Prime Minister (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: George Canning (1770-1827)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The Royal Society (litho)

The Royal Society (litho)
1038883 The Royal Society (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Royal Society. Illustration for The Graphic)

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Bagging a brace of tiddlers with his grand daughter Clare is Sir Alec Douglas Home

Bagging a brace of tiddlers with his grand daughter Clare is Sir Alec Douglas Home. Sir Alec is enjoying a hunting, shooting and fishing holiday at Castlemains his Lanarkshire home in Scotland

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: 1939 War Cabinet Back row: - Sir Kingsley Wood, Winston Churchill - First Lord of

1939 War Cabinet Back row: - Sir Kingsley Wood, Winston Churchill - First Lord of
1939 War Cabinet Back row:- Sir Kingsley Wood, Winston Churchill - First Lord of the Admiralty, L Hoare Belisha, Lord Hankey

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Barbara Castle Labour MP with David Owen Jack Ashley and Brian O Malley

Barbara Castle Labour MP with David Owen Jack Ashley and Brian O Malley

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Dr David Owen Foreign Secretary at his home with his family

Dr David Owen Foreign Secretary at his home with his family

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: James Callaghan Labour Prime Minister getting off a plane at Heathrow Airport followed by

James Callaghan Labour Prime Minister getting off a plane at Heathrow Airport followed by Dr David Owen 1978

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Dr David Owen Foreign Secretary playing Table Tennis

Dr David Owen Foreign Secretary playing Table Tennis

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Dr David Owen former Labour foreign secretary, is now the new leader of the Social

Dr David Owen former Labour foreign secretary, is now the new leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) He is speaking at the SDP meeting in Kensington Town Hall in London on the parties

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: James Callaghan with Dr David Owen standing by the sea 1980

James Callaghan with Dr David Owen standing by the sea 1980

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: British Ambassador to Italy arrives in Rome. Sir Henry Ashley Clarke

British Ambassador to Italy arrives in Rome. Sir Henry Ashley Clarke. November 1953 D6777D

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: The Magnanimous Minister, Chastising Prussian Perfidy. -vide-Morning Chronicle April

The Magnanimous Minister, Chastising Prussian Perfidy. -vide-Morning Chronicle April
The Magnanimous Minister, Chastising Prussian Perfidy.-vide-Morning Chronicle April 28th, May 2, 1806

Background imageForeign Secretary Collection: Portrait of Cardinal Richelieu, 1651. Creator: Claude Mellan

Portrait of Cardinal Richelieu, 1651. Creator: Claude Mellan
Portrait of Cardinal Richelieu, 1651



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"The Evolution of Foreign Secretaries: From Diplomacy to Leadership" The role of the foreign secretary has been a pivotal one throughout history, shaping the course of nations and international relations. As we delve into the annals of time, we encounter remarkable figures who have held this esteemed position, leaving an indelible mark on British politics. In the early 19th century, The Royal Society's engraving showcases the intellectual prowess required for such a role. Right Hon. George Hamilton Gordon, Earl of Aberdeen, epitomized this intellect as he navigated complex diplomatic waters during his tenure. Lord Palmerston emerges from c1850 in another unknown artist's depiction. His charismatic persona and unwavering determination made him a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. A true statesman whose influence resonates even today. Fast forward to 1931 when Sir Ramsay MacDonald assembled his cabinet amidst challenging times captured in an unknown photographer's lens. This image symbolizes how foreign secretaries became integral members of broader governmental structures rather than mere diplomats. Sir Stafford Northcote remains shrouded in mystery between 1860 and 1875 but stands as a testament to those who served their country quietly yet effectively behind closed doors – guiding Britain through turbulent times without seeking personal acclaim. Henry John Temple takes center stage in Henry Hering's engraving from 1860-69. Known as Lord Palmerston, he exemplified strong leadership skills combined with astute diplomacy – traits that defined successful foreign secretaries for generations to come. The Life of Sir Moses Montefiore engraving reminds us that diversity knows no bounds within this esteemed position. It highlights how individuals like Montefiore shattered barriers by serving as Jewish foreign secretaries while contributing significantly to British diplomacy. The Right Honourable Earl of Iddesleigh graces us with his presence through another captivating engraving – showcasing how aristocracy intertwined seamlessly with political leadership.