1956 – Professor W. Perceval Yetts

There are 2 letters from the Secretary of the Royal Asiatic Society to John Pinches, Medallist, regarding the casting of the Medal. For more information regarding the conferment of the Medal, please see Related Material.

Walter Perceval Yetts was born in Reading and educated in London and Lausanne. He entered the Royal Navy Medical Service in 1903 and retired with the rank of staff surgeon in 1912. He was acting medical officer at the British legation in 1913 and served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War I. From 1920 to 1927 he was a medical officer in the Ministry of Health. In 1930 he made a major career change when he was appointed the first lecturer in Chinese art and archaeology at the School of Oriental Studies at London University. In 1932 he became Professor of Chinese Art and Archaeology at London University and held the post until his retirement in 1946.

Walter Perceval Yetts was born in Reading and educated in London and Lausanne. He entered the Royal Navy Medical Service in 1903 and retired with the rank of staff surgeon in 1912. He was acting medical officer at the British legation in 1913 and served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War I. From 1920 to 1927 he was a medical officer in the Ministry of Health. In 1930 he made a major career change when he was appointed the first lecturer in Chinese art and archaeology at the School of Oriental Studies at London University. In 1932 he became Professor of Chinese Art and Archaeology at London University and held the post until his retirement in 1946.

In the Council Minutes for 9 February 1956 it is recorded that it was resolved to award to Triennial Gold Medal to Professor W.P. Yetts. This was also recorded in the Report of the Anniversary General Meeting in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, 1956, p.261.

Published