Forest Products Research Laboratory
The earliest work undertaken by the [[Department of Scientific and Industrial Research[[ in the field of timber research was that into kilning and physical tests of timber carried out by the Building Materials Research Committee.
1918 the department established a separate organisation for timber research; a consultant on timber research was appointed and investigations were undertaken into the qualities of home-grown timbers and kiln seasoning of timber.
1921 Establishment of a Forest Products Research Board, with Professor J.B. Farmer as chairman and acting director.
A limited amount of research work was carried out at various university laboratories
1923 Recognising a need for mechanical testing and large scale seasoning, accommodation was provided for a small research group at the Royal Aircraft Establishment.
1927 a central Forest Products Research Laboratory was established at Princes Risborough, Bucks.
1958 the Forest Products Research Board ceased to function. The laboratory's field of operations was reduced, and its responsibilities for certain aspects of applied research and advisory services passed to the Timber Development Association
1965 On the dissolution of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the laboratory was transferred to the control of the Ministry of Technology.
1970 it was transferred to the Department of Trade and Industry
1971 transferred to the Department of the Environment
1972 Amalgamated with the Building Research Station and the Fire Research Station to form the Building Research Establishment, but retained its separate identity as the Princes Risborough Laboratory.
1989 the laboratory moved to the main Building Research Establishment premises in Garston, near Watford, and thereafter it ceased to have any separate identity
See Also
Sources of Information
- National Archives [1]