Under the hammer! North Devon history in photos

An enthralling collection of photographs and ephemera documenting a noteworthy era in North Devon’s recent history will be sold at Chilcotts Auctioneers next sale.

The assortment of photographs and ephemera comes from at least two generations of a notable family, the Nightingales, who lived near Lynton. They cover a period of time that includes one of the darkest times for the region, the Lynmouth flood of 1952.

Both generations of the family had a passion for Exmoor and its history, as well as a love for photography. This archive came to Chilcotts following the death of the second generation; a brother and sister who both remained single.

Several personal photograph albums contain superb quality pictures taken by Dr Peter Nightingale and his wife of the countryside and people. These are often quirky, highlighting social history with photos titled ‘washing up’ and ‘my trousseau’ along with family trips including beach outings. As well as photographs showing places around Devon, other locations featured include Lyme Regis, Aberystwyth and Surrey.

Members of the family were volunteers with various Exmoor organisations including Peter’s son Edward who was the secretary of Lynmouth Flood Memorial Hall up until 2015. Through this connection they accumulated many photographs; these were mostly their own, but some were donated by the daughter of a Fleet Street photographer who happened to be on holiday with his family at the time of the flood. She found the images when clearing out her father’s possessions and sent them to the Lynton & Lynmouth Memorial Museum – these images were the first to be printed in the press the day after the disaster. They depict the aftermath of the flood, destroyed buildings and efforts to start the big clear up.

Also included in the collection are masses of fascinating newspaper cuttings about the flood and postcards of another epic event in the region back in 1899, when Lynmouth volunteers dragged their lifeboat, Louisa, for 13 miles to launch in aid of a vessel in distress in severe gales.

This collection will be treasured by whoever buys it at auction. It will be offered in three lots with estimates between £40 and £200. It comes under the hammer at Chilcotts Fine Art, Antiques and Collectors Items sale on November 30. The sale takes place at the Silver Street sale room in Honiton, close to Honiton Community College. Viewing is on Thursday, 9:30am to 5pm, Friday 9:30am to 7pm and on Sale Day from 8:30am. The sale starts at 10:30am.

Viewing and live online bidding will also be available via the-saleroom.com

Find out more: chilcotts.co.uk