The Domestic Office at Downing Street

Munich

The routines and rivalries of the Prime Minister’s staff reveal how access, hierarchy and exhaustion shape the machinery of government.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Private Office The Private Office from "Munich". Work Behind the Crisis Clerks and Secretaries Legat, Miss Watson and Cecil Syers manage papers and messages as the government responds to the emergency.

The Private Office from "Munich". Work Behind the Crisis Clerks and Secretaries Legat, Miss Watson and Cecil Syers manage papers and messages as the government responds to the emergency.

Work Behind the Crisis Clerks and Secretaries Legat, Miss Watson and Cecil Syers manage papers and messages as the government responds to the emergency. Invisible Labour Their logistical work makes high-level decisions possible while leaving them outside much of the authority they serve.

Cleverly’s Reprimand Cleverly’s Reprimand from "Munich". A Junior Corrected The Lunch Criticised Osmund Somers Cleverly rebukes Legat for taking an anniversary lunch during the crisis.

Cleverly’s Reprimand from "Munich". A Junior Corrected The Lunch Criticised Osmund Somers Cleverly rebukes Legat for taking an anniversary lunch during the crisis.

A Junior Corrected The Lunch Criticised Osmund Somers Cleverly rebukes Legat for taking an anniversary lunch during the crisis. Hierarchy Enforced The reprimand makes clear that the Private Office values availability and discipline over personal obligation.

The Destroyed Minute The Destroyed Minute from "Munich". Silence by Instruction Notes Taken Legat records the Chiefs of Staff’s warnings about the armed forces.

The Destroyed Minute from "Munich". Silence by Instruction Notes Taken Legat records the Chiefs of Staff’s warnings about the armed forces.

Silence by Instruction Notes Taken Legat records the Chiefs of Staff’s warnings about the armed forces. Record Suppressed Chamberlain orders him to destroy the minutes, exposing the tension between administrative record and political control.

Syers Gives Up the Seat Syers Gives Up the Seat from "Munich". The Delegation Changes Assignment Reversed Cleverly initially selects Syers to accompany Chamberlain, then Legat is added at the last minute.

Syers Gives Up the Seat from "Munich". The Delegation Changes Assignment Reversed Cleverly initially selects Syers to accompany Chamberlain, then Legat is added at the last minute.

The Delegation Changes Assignment Reversed Cleverly initially selects Syers to accompany Chamberlain, then Legat is added at the last minute. Personal Generosity Syers accepts the change and shows more concern for Legat than resentment about losing his place.

The Quiet Return The Quiet Return from "Munich". Back to the Office The Work Continues After the triumphant return, Legat is released from the Cabinet meeting and sent home.

The Quiet Return from "Munich". Back to the Office The Work Continues After the triumphant return, Legat is released from the Cabinet meeting and sent home.

Back to the Office The Work Continues After the triumphant return, Legat is released from the Cabinet meeting and sent home. No Grand Resolution The small acts of duty resume even as Legat’s faith in his career has been shaken.

27 September 1938, afternoon

27 September 1938, after the military meeting

28 September 1938, night

30 September 1938, evening