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Sir Rutherford Alcock Collection

Sir Rutherford Alcock was a British diplomat and the first British consul-general in Japan

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: The Athenaeum Club, Ballot Day (engraving)

The Athenaeum Club, Ballot Day (engraving)
1604422 The Athenaeum Club, Ballot Day (engraving) by Wilson, Thomas Walter (1851-1912); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Athenaeum Club, Ballot Day)

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: Landing of Sir Rutherford Alcock, K.C.B., at Yokohama, Japan, 1864. Creator: Unknown

Landing of Sir Rutherford Alcock, K.C.B., at Yokohama, Japan, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Landing of Sir Rutherford Alcock, K.C.B., at Yokohama, Japan, 1864. Engraving of '...a sketch by Mr. Wirgman, our Special Artist, which...represents the landing of Sir Rutherford Alcock

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: Sir Rutherford Alcock K.C.B. our Envoy Plenipotentiary in Japan... 1864. Creator: Unknown

Sir Rutherford Alcock K.C.B. our Envoy Plenipotentiary in Japan... 1864. Creator: Unknown
Sir Rutherford Alcock K.C.B. our Envoy Plenipotentiary in Japan, from a photograph by F. Beato, of Yokohama, 1864. The opening of Japan to English commerce is a most beneficial achievement of

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: First audience of a British minister with the Tycoon of Japan at Jeddo... 1860. Creator: Unknown

First audience of a British minister with the Tycoon of Japan at Jeddo... 1860. Creator: Unknown
First audience of a British minister with the Tycoon of Japan at Jeddo [ie Eddo] - from a sketch by S. J. Gower, 1860. Mr

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: Sir Rutherford Alcock (b / w photo)

Sir Rutherford Alcock (b / w photo)
815964 Sir Rutherford Alcock (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir Rutherford Alcock, (1809-1897), English surgeon and diplomat

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: Portrait of Sir Rutherford Alcock (b / w photo)

Portrait of Sir Rutherford Alcock (b / w photo)
984200 Portrait of Sir Rutherford Alcock (b/w photo) by Lock and Whitfield (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir Rutherford Alcock)

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: Mr H M Stanley at St Jamess Hall (engraving)

Mr H M Stanley at St Jamess Hall (engraving)
1589901 Mr H M Stanley at St Jamess Hall (engraving) by Robinson, Charles (1840-81); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr H M Stanley at St Jamess Hall)

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: Together these Men Fled to Mr. Alcocks Room... (engraving)

Together these Men Fled to Mr. Alcocks Room... (engraving)
663943 Together these Men Fled to Mr. Alcocks Room... (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: " Together these Men Fled to Mr)

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: Sir Rutherford Alcock, KCB, Our Envoy Plenipotentiary in Japan (engraving)

Sir Rutherford Alcock, KCB, Our Envoy Plenipotentiary in Japan (engraving)
1613114 Sir Rutherford Alcock, KCB, Our Envoy Plenipotentiary in Japan (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir Rutherford Alcock, KCB)

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: Commissioners of the Colonial Exhibition (engraving)

Commissioners of the Colonial Exhibition (engraving)
1624597 Commissioners of the Colonial Exhibition (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Commissioners of the Colonial Exhibition)

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: Landing of Sir Rutherford Alcock, KCB, at Yokohama, Japan (engraving)

Landing of Sir Rutherford Alcock, KCB, at Yokohama, Japan (engraving)
1103308 Landing of Sir Rutherford Alcock, KCB, at Yokohama, Japan (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Landing of Sir Rutherford Alcock, KCB, at Yokohama)

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: Sir Rutherford Alcock, British diplomat and President of the Royal Geographical Society, 1877

Sir Rutherford Alcock, British diplomat and President of the Royal Geographical Society, 1877. Artist: Lock & Whitfield
Sir Rutherford Alcock, British diplomat and President of the Royal Geographical Society, 1877. From Men of Mark: a gallery of contemporary portraits of men distinguished in the Senate, the Church

Background imageSir Rutherford Alcock Collection: Rutherford Alcock (1809-1897), English army surgeon and diplomat, 1877

Rutherford Alcock (1809-1897), English army surgeon and diplomat, 1877. During his diplomatic career, Alcock held the posts of Consul in Fuchow (1844), Shanghai (1846)



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Sir Rutherford Alcock was a British diplomat and the first British consul-general in Japan. He played a crucial role in establishing diplomatic relations between Britain and Japan during a time of great political upheaval in the country. Known for his intelligence, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity, Sir Rutherford Alcock navigated complex negotiations with Japanese officials to secure trade agreements and promote mutual understanding between the two nations. His tenure in Japan marked a significant turning point in Anglo-Japanese relations, paving the way for increased cooperation and exchange between the two countries. Sir Rutherford Alcock's contributions to diplomacy were widely recognized, earning him respect both at home and abroad. Beyond his diplomatic achievements, Sir Rutherford Alcock was also an avid scholar of Japanese culture and history. His writings on Japan provided valuable insights into the country's society, customs, and traditions for Western audiences. His legacy continues to inspire diplomats and scholars alike to this day. In recognition of his outstanding service, Sir Rutherford Alcock was knighted by Queen Victoria for his contributions to international diplomacy. His impact on Anglo-Japanese relations remains enduring, solidifying his place as one of the most influential diplomats of his time.