Overlay
Our people at work
Ten objects illuminating the working lives of bank staff, from the earliest clerks to our modern diverse workforce.
Explore the objects
42: Memorial ring, 1838
Worn by James Douglas of Commercial Bank of Scotland in memory of Alexander Macartney.
43: Clerk's armrest, 19th century
Used to prevent muscle strain when writing in large ledgers.
44: Royal Bank Magazine, 1895
The Royal Bank of Scotland's first magazine for staff.
45: Montage photograph, 1899
Depicting 144 managers of the Royal Bank of Scotland.
46: Field service postcard, 1918
Sent by Samuel McKnight to his former colleagues at the Royal Bank of Scotland.
47: Typewriter, 1925
The Underwood No.5 was a popular model in many offices, including banks.
48: Exam papers, 1929
Papers for Part 1 of the Institute of Bankers examinations.
49: Marriage ban memo, 1932
Issued by National Bank of Scotland, preventing clerks from marrying until their income was high enough.
50: Staff uniform sari, 2004
The Royal Bank's staff wardrobe included a sari option from 1994 onwards.