Albert medal Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
The Albert Medal of the Royal Society of Arts was instituted in 1864 as a memorial to HRH The Prince Albert, President of the Society for 18 years. It was first awarded in 1864 for distinguished merit in promoting Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. In presenting the Medal the Society now looks to acknowledge individuals, organisation and groups that lead progress and create positive change within contemporary society in areas that are linked closely to the RSA's broad agenda.Through the Albert Medal the Society acknowledges the profound creativity and innovation of those that work to tackle some of the world's intractable problems. Each year the RSA identifies topical issues that confront modern society by asking the Society's Fellowship to suggest problems/subjects linked to the Society's programme. These proposals are reviewed and recommendations made to the Trustees and Council who are responsible for selecting one upon which the Fellowship will be asked to nominate worthy recipients.
The Albert medal for lifesaving instituted 7 March 1866 - discontinued 1971.
The medal was named in memory of the Prince consort who died in 1861 and was originally awarded to recognize saving life at sea. An amendment in 1867 created two classes. The original medal had a ribbon 16mm wide with 2 white stripes. When the two classes were introduced, this changed to 35mm wide with 4 stripes with te first class having gold stripes.
In 1877 the medal was extended to cover saving life on land and from this point there are two medals with different inscriptions to depict which they were awarded for.
In 1917 the title of the medals changed. The first class becoming the Albert medal in gold and the second class being known as just the Albert medal.
In 1949 the medal in gold was abolished, being replaced by the George Cross and from this point the Albert medal (second class) was only awarded posthumously. In 1971 the award of the medal ceased and recipients were invited to exchange the award for the George Cross. From the total of 64 eligible to exchange, 49 took up the option.
The medal was made of gold, (early examples are gold and bronze), which was enameled blue.
| Gold award (sea) | 25 |
| Bronze award (sea) | 216 |
| Gold award (land) | 45 |
| Bronze award (land) | 282 |
Minitures of all four types are known to exist, with the gold awards believed to be gilt.
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