Conclusion

The generous bequest made by Mrs Lidderdale helped inspire others to give donations to the museum and contribute towards preserving and sharing out heritage. May the opportunity afforded visitors to see a facet of Cape history in the context of the recreated interior of a wealthy English residence be an enjoyable and interesting experience.

References

• Bolsmann, J. 1978. The Mount Nelson Hotel. Cape Town: Haum, p.59

• Cairns, M. 1976-1977. Bertram House. Africana Notes and News, vol. 22, 1976-1977, p.113

• Cape Times. 1975. Mills, G.M. "Permanent Home for Collection", 26 April 1975

• Cape Times. 1977. Obituary notice "Gracious Libber dies at 95", 4 August 1977

• Cape Times. 1977. Obituary notice "R528 481 Will Aids Museum", 3 September 1977

• Langham-Carter, R.E. 1976-1977. Bertram House: A New Museum for Cape Town. Africana Notes and News, vol.22, 1976-1977, p.7

• Cornforth, J. 1978. English Interiors 1790-1848: The Quest for Comfort. London: Barrie and Jenkins, p.12

• Robinson, A.M.L. 1973. The letters of Anne Barnard to Henry Dundas from the Cape and Elsewhere 1793-1803. Cape Town: Balkema, p.172, letter no. 18.

by Mary van Blommenstein