Archives Afternoon, 23rd February 2011
Strandlines Archives afternoon brought together the various communities we are currently working with: The Connection, a homeless support centre at St Martins; Age UK Westminster; Peabody Wild Street Estate; and St Martins Older Congregation. Members of the recently formed Strandlines Cabinet of Artists also attended; also other interested individuals living/working in the Strand area. Whilst stories from the different communities are placed in close proximity on the website, it was wonderful to see the community realised in one room. Thank you to everyone who attended!
The afternoon began with talks and demonstrations from Patricia Methven, Head of King's College Archives, and Senior Archivist Geoff Browell. They drew attention to the Archive's treasures, many of which are being digitised for the Strandlines website. They introduced the pioneering work of King's scientists, showing how they helped cracked the code for DNA, extracting DNA from cells; making its stucture visible to the human eye. Whilst DNA strands were humorously described as 'like fondue', I was particularly enchanted by the rather more spiky wire visualisation of the double helix structure laid out on display.
The afternoon was peppered with anecdotes, for instance, how the 'secret of life' was discovered with the help of a condom and a paper clip; how inebriated King's students, in 1989, stole and played football with the mummified head of the founder of both UCL and the doctrine of Utilitarianism, Jeremy Bentham; how elephants, taking part in the Lord Mayor's procession, were maddened by the sight of King's mascot Reggie the Lion (frequently kidnapped by rival University of London colleges).We also read the casenotes of Robert Bentley Todd - who, in 1836, held the rather gothic sounding title, Professor of Physiology and Morbid Anatomy; these included an anecdote about not bleeding patients with cholera, but plying them with alcohol instead.
We viewed some wonderful, some rather disturbing, texts and objects:the 1860-64 'Diary of a Medical Student', including an account of a public execution at the Old Bailey; a red and blue velvet 1924 Ede and Ravenscroft cap, embroidered with the King's crest; a Union Jack flown on the first British lorry taken to France and used by the French Army in the First World War. The Archives also provided a printing block on which was engraved the College crest. As souvenirs everyone was given the opportunity to make their own ink stamp, using the printing block.
Following tea and cake, and a tour of the building (including the chapel - the choir were singing beautifully at the time!) participants were given a chance to write for the archives. They were given sheets on which were written the questions below. The sheets have been placed in a file at King's College Archives; participants, and anyone else, may view them at the Archives when they wish.
For those who did not answer 'no' to question 6, I have added their answers below.
1. Which object, text or photograph would you like to take away with you and why?
The details and descriptions of the history of the place, different charities and how they did things their way!
The rugby cap because I am a sports fan.
I loved the chapel. I could have gone on reading the diary of Shephard Taylor. It was quite fascinating & humorous. I was also interested to see the telegraphing machine - it reminded me of morse code.
Model of DNA
Photo 51 - The iconic photograph of the DNA, discobering by Rosalind Franklin. It's a fascinating image that has powerful resonance.
The diary of a Medical Student during the Mid-Victorian Period. A slice of life - hangings, operations & such like to fuel my imagination.
The DNA Double Helix, text and photograph becuase it is the foundation of life
The object called a 'windfiddle' which is in storage somewhere here. which I didn't get to see, but which I saw a photo of; because I'd like to play it and hear how it sounds.
The bronze of Basil Liddell Hart because it would look damn good in my house.
King's College Camp 1937 Album - for the unemployment group. The togetherness, the positive aims of everybody involved - prospering for a better future - enriching the history of the College.
Wire model of The Double DNA Helix.
Minerva by Gaslight - a reminder that university serves its community - a concept that is easily lost in the rush to marketisation.
The Diary of a Medical Student During the Mid-Victorian Period, 1860-1864. A window on the world of the time as well as his own view, e.g. p. 121 Dec 3. The juxtaposition of happenings is particularly entertaining, interesting & evocative.
Difficult to choose with such a comprehensive collection...
What an impossible choice! But I have to choose & I wound choose some of the Victorian photographs.
The 5 photogrpahs of London slum areas (ref KH/PH1/1/4). They shpw so much 'real' history. I like the detail of the advertisments & the ghostly figures who have moved during the exposure. The clothes look different but the buildings and alleyways are v. recognisable as bits of London. The fact that they've original prints & not copies make me feel I'm physically holding a bit of the past.
The photographs (lithium prints) because you can clearly imagine life on the Strand 100 years ago.
The letter from a patient in East Dulwich explaining her son's absence (he'd been shot) and requesting information about payment of fees.
Newspaper heading on Cuba Crisis, Novel Award, & Spacecraft off to the moon. So many events at once.
2. Does your chosen item make you feel any differently about the local area?
Yes - to be involved and to support and be part of such a place.
Yes I did not know they had a rugby team. So my view has changed.
It shows the differences between then and now people's thoughts and attitudes towards life.
Yes.
No. It makes me very rooted. The flowing form of the DNA double helix is a beautiful structure. Its poetry is embedded in the foc's'le of my mind.
It does make me feel more connected - I know some of the streets he visits and his experiences make me smile and wonder.
Yes, it was uncovered by scientists working in the dark over a number of years
Not really.
Not really
There is something really special about this area - a matter of significant importance. Makes me think a lot differently.
Yes because I wasn't aware that it was mainly founded in this College.
No, other than the fact that modern day King's seems to be rather detached from its surrounding area.
Brings to life the Strand area in the 1860s when he combined studies with entertainment, Sept 2
While it is difficult to choose one item, the arrange of material from the Archive opens up the imagination about the area & King's College's place within it (culturally as well as geographically), inspiring an interest in discovering more. 'Minerva by Gaslight' made me think of my father (who left school at 14) attending classes & becoming an marine engineer.
Those pictures have the effect of experiencing layers of history & how important it is to stand & look, to investigate, to visit. Places change so rapidly.
The architecture in some corners of London has not changed for hundreds of years. I really love that I can walk around central London and see bits of history everywhere. The pictures show me something more real, detailed & extraordinary than any history book or period drama on TV. They make me appreciate what I have & reflect on issues of poverty & class which still remain significant today. I work in the area at a day centre for homeless people that sees 200 + people a day.
They are so different from the contemporary local area that it doesn't have resemblance at all to make me feel different.
Yes, although it also raises questions about East Dulwich.
Only in I found it here!
3. Would you still want to view your chosen item at the Archives if it was possible to see it online (e.g. on the Strandlines website)?
Yes - but which? The history is too full to make a choice!
I prefer the real thing.
Certainly I would like to read more of the diary!
Yes
Yes.
Yes - but not sure how long I could stare at the screen for - I'd love the book to keep - hint hint!!
Of course, it shows how life is made of
? Real life is betetr than on-line, but for people with mobility impairment it would be an advantage.
I would still want to view it at the Archives.
Yes without a doubt.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes. Seeing any of the items on the Strandlines website would be a good introduction but the experience of seeing the actual object will always be valuable as it engages the senses & the mind.
Archives online provide us all with an opportunity to view more easily but can never replace the excitement of viewing & handling the original texts & documents.
Yes. Seeing something online is convenience and great for sharing, but it is v. different to handling an original photograph within the context of the college. Both experiences have their value & so both should be made available if possible.
Yes
Yes please
Yes
4. What has surprised you most about this afternoon at the Archives?
Dedication and pride of the place
The beauty of the chapel.
The vast array of materials. Geoff's great knowledge about everything. I noticed also people's handwriting. How well they wrote - beautiful 'copperplace' style in many cases - reminded me of my grandmother's and her mother's writing style.
Wheatstone & DNA
Discovering Photo 51. I also found the illustrated childhood story of 'Radium Island' by Maurice Wilkins to be a charming piece of writing.
The history and discoveries made within this building & surrounds.
The number of scientific discoveries happening right at King's College on the Strand
The importance of somethings, like the discovery of DNA and the DNA rotating camera; even the minds behind the gadgets like the 'windfiddle'. People wondered and worked with their wonder and created things.
The History behind the College
How much history there is & how influential King's College as a whole has been in this part of London.
The whole afternoon was filled with surprising facts that I was unaware about.
The wonderful support from those who attended and the astounding history of scientific achievement.
The breadth of material - I appreciate this is only a small selection of the total held.
An interesting Archive, by definition, is full of surprises. It has highlighted the important role of the Strand in the development of some incredible & distinguished discoveries.
The contribution the College has given to development, education, and science.
So much - I still have many questions e.g. when did the Strand school move to Brixton Hill? How would I go about researching the history of theatrical constumes in the area? (I worked with Fox, May, Berman & Nathan up to 1980)
Local knowledge given really well to all of us and good fun.
5. What will you remember most about your visit to King's College?
? Most
The friendliness of the staff and lots of interesting facts.
Seeing everything and visiting the different departments. How apologetic people were in their letters.
beautiful chapel
Photo 51 - and how the small scale of this image has been such a major discovery and influence.
The place where DNA was unveiled & computing discoveries.
The inventiveness of the pioneer group of scientists who had to rely on making their own tools to carry out their work to arrive at answers
The funny instrument. The accordian with a guitar neck musical instrument. It's called a 'windfiddle'.
The enjoyment I had
Learning about great history
The chapel was amazing
The mix of people.
Warmth of the reception & the enthusiasm of both speakers.
The Archive & the chapel I hadn't realised that there was a Gilbert Scott gem at King's.
Lectures!!
Probably the chapel but overall, the welcome and the extraordinary breadth/depth of knowledge conveyed.
Being comfortable interested.
6. As well as preserving your comments in the Archives, would you like us to add them to the Strandlines website?
Yes.
Yes.
You are free to do as you please. I would be interested to read what other people have to say.
Yes, if you wish
Yes. I'd be happy to share my feedback.
Why not indeed!!
Yes, in order to put the firsts of any scientific achievements on the website map for the world to learn and know more of the histories of various discoveries
Yes please very much
Yes why not
Of course everybody should be able to have the pleasure I had with this visit.
Yes.
Yes
You'd be very welcome if the contribution is interesting enough!
If you like.
fine
If you think they are of any value. Yes.
Thank you again to everyone who attended and contributed to the physical and digital archive!