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The collection is essentially an amalgamation of two collections originally assembled by Dr Henry Watson (1846-1911), and a smaller collection by Josiah Thomas Chapman (1843-1907). A Catalogue of the Collection, which was shortlisted for the 2012 C B Oldman Prize (for 2010 imprints), was compiled by the eminent bassoonist William Waterhouse and is available in print. For details on how to purchase a copy, see below. Location of the Collection The Collection is located in the basement of the Library part of the College building (to the left of the main entrance on Booth Street West). It can be accessed using the staircase behind the Box Office or by the lift situated opposite the RNCM Library. Please note that outside advertised opening hours access is restricted. Opening Times The museum is open from 1200-1300 on Mondays and Thursdays during term time. The openings coincide with our free term time lunchtime concerts. Please see our What’s On calendar for information on these concerts. Collection Catalogue The catalogue is case-bound, containing 336 pages (274 x 239mm) with colour photographs, including front and rear views of the stringed instruments and tip and frog details of bows. The prefatory text includes an introduction by Graham Wells (Galpin Society), a short essay by Charles Beare and a tribute to William Waterhouse. In addition to the descriptions of the instruments, it also contains William Waterhouse’s history of the Collection and indexes by instrument/item, makers, names of people with associations to the objects and lists of the original Watson & Chapman collections. The catalogue of the Collection, compiled by William Waterhouse, is available in print, priced £40. Illustrated throughout with colour photos of most of the instruments and other artefacts, this is the first printed catalogue of the Collection in its entirety. Price: £32 Postage and packing costs: UK £9.50, International £17.50 To order a copy please complete an order form and return by e-mail, fax or post. Enquiries All enquiries relating to the Collection should be directed to the Head of Library Services, Sarah D’Ardenne at [email protected] or Archive & Museum Manager, Heather Roberts at [email protected] View the Collection at MINIM-UK Explore the RNCM’s full catalogue online View here Our Location The College Study Here About Visit Us Research Alumni Support the RNCM 中文网站 Events What’s On Book Tickets Hire our Venues Contact 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD. T: 0161 907 5200 E: [email protected] [email protected] Student/staff Login Log in here The RNCM has two registered charitable trusts (Nos 504949 and 504948). Copyright © 2026 RNCM Privacy Statement