Like the title says, I'm looking for either paintings or descriptions of the first ever display of Hamilton's collection at the Museum. I've found lots from the 1850's and lots about the man and his collection, but nothing on the physical layout of the very first display and it's driving me mad!
My first reaction is there might not be a record of that. A lot of times, display and exhibition techniques weren't considered worthy of recording. Second, have you contacted the museum? Third, try posting in /r/museumpros - not sure if we have anyone from the BM over there but it might be worth asking.