Identity area
Reference code
HowardA/B/1/1/6
Unique identifier
Title
Date(s)
- 1905-08-08 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
4 pages, paper
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Albert Howard was born at Bishops Castle, Shropshire in 1873 the son of a farmer. His experience of working on the family farm in his youth influenced his practical approach to agricultural science throughout his professional life. After gaining an associateship in chemistry at the Royal College of Science he took his BA in Natural Sciences at St John’s graduating with first class honours in 1899. From 1905 he was imperial economic botanist to the government of India, running the research station at Pusa until 1924 with his wife, Gabrielle Louise Caroline Matthaei. Together they established the Institute of Plant Industry at Indore in 1924, where their work on soil fertility led to the development of the Indore process of composting. Following Gabrielle’s death in 1930, Howard returned to the UK, marrying in 1931 his sister-in-law Louise Ernestine Matthaei, who supported his work as his first wife had. Howard was knighted in 1934. Throughout the 1930s Howard travelled worldwide advising agriculturalists in Africa, Asia and Europe on composting methods. Until his death in 1947 he wrote and spoke on organic cultivation. The foundation of the Soil Association in 1946 was largely due to his influence.
Repository
Archival history
Letters 5 and 6 were stored together in an envelope marked "2 letters from Bert to me 1905. Written in characters of gold".
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Letter from AH to his future mother-in-law expressing his disappointment at being unable to come to England to collect Gabrielle, and that she will have to marry quietly in a strange place. He plans a tour of India following their wedding, and assures her that his prospects are good. He is delighted to hear of Louise's studentship and is sure that a fellowship will follow.