Welcome to Fairfield House, a historic location soon to be transformed into a captivating museum dedicated to the remarkable life of Emperor Haile Selassie I. Situated in the charming city of Bath, this museum will offer an intimate glimpse into the Emperor’s time in Britain, encompassing both his days of exile and triumphant return.
Our vision is to create a museum that not only preserves the Emperor’s legacy but also provides a platform for educational exploration. Collaborating with Bath Spa University, we are committed to adhering to the highest museum standards, ensuring the Fairfield House museum becomes a beacon of cultural significance.
Unveiling the Emperor’s Story
Prepare to be captivated by the fascinating tale of Emperor Haile Selassie’s connection to Fairfield House. This museum will transport visitors through time, immersing them in the difficult days of exile endured by the Ethiopian royal family and government. Witness the resilience and hope that sustained them during this period.
Furthermore, the museum will shed light on the Emperor’s triumphant return to Britain in 1954. The Emperor’s visit was celebrated with great fanfare, and Fairfield House once again served as a temporary residence, offering a haven of peace and tranquility.
A Treasure Trove of Historical Artifacts
At the heart of this museum lies a collection of invaluable artifacts that once belonged to Emperor Haile Selassie I. These objects, meticulously gathered, conserved, and presented, provide a unique and enriching narrative, illuminating the Emperor’s historical significance, personal dimensions, and the special place Fairfield House holds in his story.
Over the years, generous individuals have entrusted us with historical treasures. These items, carefully preserved and catalogued, represent a legacy that will inspire and educate generations to come.
A Glimpse into the Collection
Currently, visitors can explore a growing collection of captivating artifacts displayed at Fairfield House. Behold a portrait of the Emperor, painted during his exile, and marvel at the intricate Ethiopian traditional artwork depicting the legendary union of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
Seeking Meaningful Donations
Do you possess an object or item that resonates with the story of Emperor Haile Selassie? We are actively seeking donations that will enrich our collection and provide a more complete understanding of the Emperor’s life.
However, we are selective in our acquisitions, ensuring that each donated item contributes meaningfully to the museum’s narrative. We prioritize items that illuminate the Emperor’s time in Bath, shedding light on his family, retinue, and his activities in the UK.
Items We Seek
We are particularly interested in acquiring the following:
- Correspondence: Letters, postcards, and envelopes exchanged by Emperor Haile Selassie while in Bath.
- Itineraries: Travel plans and itineraries related to the Emperor, his family, and retinue during their time in Bath.
- Personal Items: Items used by the Emperor and his household in Bath, including stationery, briefcases, clothing, and the bike used by the family.
- Gifts: Items given by the Emperor and his family as gifts to local residents of Bath and the UK.
- Historical Documents: Original copies of the “Ethiopia Times” and “New Times,” articles from the “Bath Chronicle” mentioning the Emperor, and eyewitness accounts from individuals who knew him.
Items We Do Not Collect
We are unable to accept certain items into our collection. These include:
- Figurines: Figurines not directly related to the Emperor’s life, such as those depicting Italian soldiers.
- Maps: Maps not specifically related to battles or events relevant to the Emperor.
- School Textbooks: School textbooks or workbooks relating to Ethiopian history, except for those used by Bath children during the exile period or by members of the Imperial family while in the UK.
- Amharic Language Resources: Items related to learning Amharic should be directed to the Fairfield House Library.
- General Ethiopian History Items: Items related to Ethiopian art, architecture, and history more broadly should be directed to the Fairfield House Library.
- Photocopies: Photocopies of newspaper clippings when the originals are already in our possession.
- Books and Magazines: We only accept books and magazines with historical significance directly related to the Emperor and his time in Bath.
- Contemporary Art: Contemporary art items related to the Emperor and his family should be directed to the Fairfield House Tafari Art Gallery.
- Items Belonging to Ethiopia: Items that rightfully belong to the Royal family of Ethiopia or that relate to the Emperor’s time in Ethiopia, rather than Bath.
For detailed information on our acquisitions and disposal policies, please refer to our full Collections Development Policy.
Sharing Your Story
Do you have personal memories or stories about Emperor Haile Selassie and his household’s time in Bath? We invite you to share your experiences with us through our Testimonies Project. Contact us at [email protected] to contribute to the museum’s growing narrative.
Interested in donating an item to the collection? Please use our online donation form: [insert link to donation form].
Alternatively, you can contact us via mail at: [insert postal address].
We appreciate your interest in Fairfield House and its mission to preserve the legacy of Emperor Haile Selassie I. Your contribution, whether it be a donation, a story, or simply your enthusiasm, will help us create a museum that honors his remarkable life and the enduring impact he has had on the world.
