Old photos discovered in Killerton’s roof inspire call for memories for time capsule
A collection of old camera negatives tucked away inside the roof of Killerton House, near Exeter in Devon, have been discovered during a major roof repair project.
Over 30 negatives, possibly hidden by the Acland family in the 1920s to be found years later, have inspired staff to create a time capsule and the National Trust property is calling for people to send in their memories of Killerton to be included.
Photos include what is thought to be family pets, foreign travels and a young Sir Richard Acland in knitted swimwear and a big rubber ring, about to take a dip in what it thought to be the river near Columbjohn on the estate. Sir Richard, thought to be pictured as a teenager, went on to leave the Killerton Estate in the care of the Trust due to his socialist beliefs.
To be included in the memory book that will be placed inside the time capsule, Killerton are asking the public to answer the question “Why is Killerton special to you?” The capsule will be sealed inside the roof void by the construction workers later this month. It is very likely to remain in situ until the roof needs replacing, expected to be in around 80-100 years’ time.
Bryony Wilde, Project Officer said: “During their own roof works we think the Acland’s at the time decided to leave a legacy of their memories - and they’ve inspired us to do the same. This is an exciting opportunity – we’d love you to be part of it. So many people love Killerton – it’ll be lovely for future generations to read why this place is so special to us today.”
It is thought that Sir Francis and Eleanor Acland concealed the negatives during repairs to the roof almost a century ago. Almost half have been carefully photographed by a volunteer.
Bryony continued: “There are places in the pictures that we don’t recognise and we’d also like the public to take a look to help us identify them”.
Gareth Fear, carpenter for Ken Biggs said: “We’ve found loads when stripping the roof -cigarette packets, a bit of newspaper from 1874 and handwritten notes and sketches. It’s always nice to find things – it’s a snapshot in time. The negatives were tucked away between roof rafters”.
Submissions of memories for the time capsule can be made by visiting the link below or by email or post to Killerton. The public have until Monday 24 July to submit and soon afterwards the time capsule will be placed inside the roof. Copies of the Acland’s 1920s photos will be included and returned to the roof.
Submit memories: http://bit.ly/killertoncapsule
Killerton website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton
Photos: Family photos hidden in the roof in the 1920s have been discovered during the major roof repairs at Killerton House, inspiring a time capsule. Credit: National Trust/Malcolm Jarvis.
