Memorandum of Understanding

Memorandum of Agreement regarding the use of images of King Richard's remains

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with the University of Leicester regarding the appropriate use of the images of King Richard’s remains has been obtained. This came about because of the concern expressed following the discovery of a University tee shirt with a photograph of the king’s skull and, following this, the graphic artwork by Alexander de Cadenet, using a radiograph, or x-ray image, of the same.

Following a meeting with the University on 29th July to discuss the use of images, Philippa and I are pleased to announce that the MoU between our two organisations has now been signed and is published here. Publication of the agreement is so that all observers, as well as those who supported Philippa’s Looking For Richard Project with funding and everyone who bought into the ‘dignity and honour’ ethos that governed our whole project, can see that not only do we have this agreement in perpetuity, but that nothing is hidden.

You will see that the University maintains its right to use the images of the king’s remains for the purposes of ‘research, education, learning and teaching’. It also maintains its right as the copyright holder of the images to have the final say on any future use. The agreement does not stop the University from allowing the use of images but if they dishonour the spirit of the agreement in the future, the Society, and the public, will be able to hold them to account for it.

In securing this agreement, Philippa has fought a long battle, with my full support, to achieve this result. It is a great achievement and we believe, moreover, a moral victory. The University’s stance had been that Philippa had no agreement or understandings with them but Point 9 of the MoU now reflects the actual position for the first time. Philippa has confirmed that the signing of the agreement marks the end for her of a long and difficult journey in Leicester to honour Richard in the way that had been planned and agreed from the start. In seeing the Society’s signature in perpetuity upon the agreement, she is now able to draw a line in the sand. She is, as she put it, ‘finally free’.

Dr Phil Stone

Chairman

The agreement is available to view here: Memorandum Of Understanding