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Kent Archives
@kentarchives.bsky.social
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A nationally accredited archive repository for Kent, established in 1933 and based in Maidstone. Get involved and keep up-to-date with the latest news and events from our service.

This account is monitored from Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5pm.
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Kent Archives @kentarchives.bsky.social · 3d
Kent Archives will be closed from Monday 1st - Sunday 14th December whilst we conduct essential collections work.

During this time, our Search Room will be closed to the public and we will not be accepting enquiries.

Normal service will resume on Monday 15th December.
Shown here is a notice issued by Kent Archives, announcing the following: Notice of temporary closure Kent Archives will be conducting essential collections work from Monday 1st - Sunday 14th December. During this time, our Search Room will be closed to the public and we will not be accepting or answering enquiries by email or telephone. Normal service will resume on Monday 15th December – please send your enquiries to us from this date onwards. For further information, email us at archives@kent.gov.uk or call us on 03000 420 673
kentarchives.bsky.social
Kent Archives will be closed from Monday 1st - Sunday 14th December whilst we conduct essential collections work.

During this time, our Search Room will be closed to the public and we will not be accepting enquiries.

Normal service will resume on Monday 15th December.
Shown here is a notice issued by Kent Archives, announcing the following: Notice of temporary closure Kent Archives will be conducting essential collections work from Monday 1st - Sunday 14th December. During this time, our Search Room will be closed to the public and we will not be accepting or answering enquiries by email or telephone. Normal service will resume on Monday 15th December – please send your enquiries to us from this date onwards. For further information, email us at archives@kent.gov.uk or call us on 03000 420 673
November 12, 2025 at 9:39 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
This #RemembranceDay, revisit our lunchtime talk about the Orchard Family of #Folkestone, presented by archivist Liz Finn.

Liz explores the human cost of the First World War and how archives can help us bring these personal stories to light. www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJRc...
Kent Archives Talk | The Orchard Family: Loss, Heartbreak and Remembrance in #Folkestone #WW1
YouTube video by Kent Libraries Registration and Archives
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:20 PM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Kent Libraries, Registration and Archives will pause today at 11am to observe a two minutes silence.

We remember those who have fought and continue to fight for peace, and all impacted by armed conflict.

#RemembranceDay2025 #LestWeForget
Shown here is a close-up photograph capturing red poppies blooming in a field.
November 11, 2025 at 9:19 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
From a 'flight of fiery whirlwinds' to a 'perfect umbrella of fire', this programme from November 1883 suggests that C. T. Brock and Co's fireworks display in #Ramsgate was a feast for the eyes – and a health and safety nightmare, no doubt!

Happy #BonfireNight 🔥
☟ See U4364/Z3
Shown here is a programme regarding a fireworks display in Ramsgate for Sir Moses Montefiore by C. T. Brock & Co. of the Crystal Palace, 8th November 1883 [ref. U4364/Z3] Established in 1698, Brocks was a pioneer of the British pyrotechnics industry and remains the nation's oldest fireworks manufacturer. Founded in Islington, the company later operated from South Norwood, capitalising on its proximity to the ill-fated Crystal Palace by staging frequent fireworks displays there until the iron-and-glass structure was razed by fire in 1936. This printed programme relates to an event held for Sir Moses Montefiore, a renowned Jewish philanthropist and financier who celebrated his 99th birthday in 1883. Ramsgate was a fitting location as Montefiore resided nearby at East Cliff Lodge. A major civic occasion, the schedule featured a procession at 12:30pm, followed by a fireworks display — including a 'huge fire portrait' of Montefiore, a Brocks invention — and a 'monster bonfire' at 6:30pm.
November 5, 2025 at 9:33 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Announcing our final lunchtime talk of 2025!
Monday 10th November, 1-2pm
📍 Kent History & Library Centre, #Maidstone

'Recreation, health and competition: Sport in Victorian Kent' presented by Dr Catherine Budd.

Book your free seat today:
📧 archives@kent.gov.uk
☎️ 03000 420 673
Shown here is a photograph capturing members of Maidstone Swimming Club wearing swimming uniform and medals, n.d. [c.1886] [ref. U3360/P2/1] About the talk: Through an examination of local newspapers and archival documents held at Kent Archives, this talk will explore the sports of rowing, cycling and swimming, and the development of clubs across urban Kent. The talk considers the debates around amateurs, professionals and money, as well as issues of competition, class, the participation of women, health, commercialisation, modernity, and civic pride. The development of the three sports will be placed within the wider context of socio-economic change and will demonstrate the proliferation of a wide variety of clubs and the popularity of sport for both participants and spectators. Dr Catherine Budd is an Archive Services Officer at Kent Archives. She holds a PhD in the history of sport and previously worked as a lecturer, teaching modern British and European history.
November 3, 2025 at 12:57 PM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Fright-seeking residents of Kent need not travel far this #Halloween. Allegedly home to over twelve spectres, the village of #Pluckley near #Ashford is said to be the most haunted in England. Visit at your own peril…

To learn more, click ALT ☟

🎃 See KHLC-IMG/PO/1/PLU/4
Shown here is an early 20th century postcard depicting Lewis & Evenden, drapers and grocers (left) and The Black Horse Pub (right) in Pluckley, Kent [ref. KHLC-IMG/PO/1/PLU/4] Located five miles to the west of Ashford and once home to the aristocratic Dering family, Pluckley found its place in the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records owing to numerous reports of supernatural occurrences. Between 12 and 16 spectres allegedly haunt the village, including an impaled highwayman at Fright Corner; a phantom horse-drawn coach at Maltman's Hill (often heard but not seen); a burnt gypsy lady at Pinnock Bridge; the hanging body of a suicidal schoolmaster; the ghost of Lady Dering in the graveyard of St Nicholas’ Church; and a young Victorian boy at the Black Horse Pub. At the latter, it's claimed that tableware and articles of clothing have been seen moving of their own accord – occasionally disappearing, only to return at a later date. So much for having a quiet drink down at the local!
October 31, 2025 at 11:25 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Yesterday's retention policy: bin the lot!

Our team took to the wet and windy streets of #Maidstone to conduct a much-needed appraisal of the 'pavement ephemera' littering the local area.

Needless to say, there were plenty of duplicates – and nothing worthy of preservation… 🗑️
Shown here are Gareth, Lara and Alice from the team at Kent Archives. Dressed in rain coats, with bin bags and pincers in hand, they're litter picking along the towpath beside the River Medway in Maidstone. Shown here are Victoria and Fiona from the team at Kent Archives. Dressed in rain coats, with bin bags and pincers in hand, they're litter picking in Whatman Park, located on the western side of the River Medway in Maidstone.
October 21, 2025 at 1:43 PM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Can you help us identify photographs from our #Sittingbourne Paper Mill Collection? If so, join us for a trip down memory lane...

🗓️ Friday 24th October, 11:30am - 4:45pm
📍 Sittingbourne Library
🗃️ View archival material and share your knowledge about the Mill with our team
Shown here is a photograph capturing industrial-scale paper making. It's one of several photographs we hold in our Sittingbourne Paper Mill Collection. Did you work at Sittingbourne Paper Mill, or know someone who did? Kent Archives needs your help! From naming members of staff to recognising different types of machinery, join us on Friday 24th October at Sittingbourne Library and impart your knowledge to our team. Your invaluable contributions will help us improve our catalogue descriptions for the Sittingbourne Paper Mill Collection, making the records more accessible to the public. For further details and queries – Email: archives@kent.gov.uk Telephone: 03000 420 673
October 17, 2025 at 8:36 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Opened in 1830, the #Canterbury and #Whitstable Railway was among the first in the world to carry passengers and freight by steam. It also featured Britain's first purpose-built railway tunnel, at Tyler Hill.

For more information and document details, click ALT ☟
🚂 #Railway200
Shown here are early documents relating to the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, including: · A hand drawn plan [Q/RUm/74A] and corresponding book of reference [Q/RUm/74B] concerning the line's proposed route, 1824 · The Act of Parliament which approved the line's construction, 1825 [Q/RUo/5a/8] Designed by pioneering railway engineer George Stephenson (1781–1848), the "Crab and Winkle Line", as it came to be known, was a modest six miles in length and opened on the 3rd May 1830. In 1834, it became the first railway in the world to sell season tickets, allowing passengers from Canterbury to visit Whitstable throughout the summer season. The following year, Isambard Kingdom Brunel paid a visit to inspect the line and conduct experiments amidst debate about his proposed Great Western Railway. In addition to its use of steam locomotion, the line was notable for its innovative traction system which hauled trains up steep gradients using cables controlled by stationary steam engines.
October 15, 2025 at 1:34 PM
kentarchives.bsky.social
This Thursday, 7-8pm:
'From Letters to Literature: Gill Hornby at the Archives'

Discover how Gill's writing was informed by records of the Knight and Austen families, held by Kent Archives.

📍 Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone
🎟️ Tickets: £2.00
💳 Details and booking: bit.ly/42uFaz0
About the event: Bestselling novelist Gill Hornby has vividly recreated Jane Austen’s world in books including 'Godmersham Park' and 'The Elopement'. Her acclaimed novel 'Miss Austen' was recently adapted into a BBC series starring Keeley Hawes. In this event, Gill will discuss her novels and the research behind them, reflecting on how records held by Kent Archives relating to the Knight and Austen families have informed her writing. Perfect for readers who love all-things Austen and historical fiction, and for writers interested in how primary sources can be transformed into compelling stories. Biography: Gill Hornby is the author of 'The Hive' and 'All Together Now', as well as 'The Story of Jane Austen', a biography of Austen for younger readers. Her subsequent novels, 'Miss Austen' and 'Godmersham Park' were Sunday Times bestsellers, and 'Miss Austen' is a four-part BBC adaptation starring Keely Hawes as Cassandra Austen. She is also the President of the Jane Austen Society.
October 6, 2025 at 11:08 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
🗞️ Autumn 2025 newsletter:
www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter

Discover new additions to the Brabourne family papers including a note from #Gandhi concerning the death of the 5th Lord Brabourne, and somersault head first into the records of #Nonington College of Physical Education 🤸🏻
Shown here is part of a black and white photograph capturing male students using the 'spider's web' ropes in the gymnasium at Nonington College of Physical Education, 1970s [ref. U4164/P3/3/3] [Archives@Kent] is the quarterly newsletter published by Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone. From publicising newly catalogued material to exploring documents in detail and sharing information about upcoming events, our newsletters can be delivered straight to your email inbox or accessed at www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter Have yet to subscribe? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to add you to our mailing list – Email: archives@kent.gov.uk Telephone: 03000 420 673
October 2, 2025 at 12:20 PM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Announcing our penultimate lunchtime talk of 2025…
Monday 13th October, 1-2pm
📍 Lecture Theatre at County Hall, #Maidstone

'The history of Policewomen in Kent County Constabulary' presented by Pam Mills.

Book your free seat today:
📧 archives@kent.gov.uk
☎️ 03000 420 673
Shown here is a mid-20th century photograph of two policewomen from Kent County Constabulary. Image courtesy of the Kent Police Museum. About the talk: 2024 was the 80th anniversary of the first recruitment of policewomen in Kent, the Second World War having opened the doors to female officers. Did war accelerate change? How did women carve out a path of respectability within a male dominated organisation? Pam Mills will examine these questions and other issues, such as the reluctance of Chief Constables to recruit women into the force and how after the war, change was inevitable. Pam is a former police officer and has written several books about the history of policing. The most recent of these is 'Commanding Kent County Constabulary 1857–1957' and her next book – currently with the publishers – is titled 'Reflections of 80 years: telling the story of Policewomen in Kent'. Pam will bring a collection box for donations to the charity 'Care of Police Survivors' (COPS), which supports the families of police officers and staff who have lost their lives on duty.
September 17, 2025 at 8:34 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Newly acquired & available to read in our Search Room:

'Commanding Kent County Constabulary 1857–1957' by Pam Mills and Dave Swarbrick, 2025

🔎 To view, request ref. BK/C158062562
📚 For blurb, click ALT ☟
#Policing #LawAndOrder #CrimeAndPunishment #Kent
Blurb: Commanding Kent County Constabulary offers a comprehensive history of Britain's most south-easterly police force, covering its introduction and first hundred years; exploring innovations and developments, whilst also considering the lot of the front-line 'Bobbies' who kept the county safe. This history is charted through the lineage of its chief constables — from the indomitable John Henry Hay Ruxton, who instigated a constabulary where it "would have been impossible to find a force with a better state of efficiency and discipline"; through six successors including the indefatigable Major Chapman, the forward-looking Major Sir John Ferguson, and the high-flying Sir Percy Sillitoe. Featuring photographs, newspaper excerpts, and extensive archival research, this fully referenced and indexed book is a must for anyone who has served in Kent Constabulary, has a broader interest in the County's history, or the casual reader.
September 11, 2025 at 8:57 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Fancy a plate of nostalgia served with a side of culinary trauma? 🍽️

From chocolate sponge and custard to lumpy mash, we're heading #BackToSchool today with this school dinner recipe book issued by the Kent Education Committee in 1957.

👩🏻‍🍳📖 See C/E/15/4:
kentarchives.org.uk/collections/...
Shown here is an extract from a ring-bound booklet titled 'School Meals Service Recipe Book' issued by the Kent Education Committee, November 1957 [ref. C/E/15/4] Titled 'Menu Making', this section describes how to plan nutritious and varied school dinners under three headings: 'Remember', 'Avoid', and 'Plan'. Key tips include serving only one flour-based dish per meal; ensuring a starchy main course is accompanied by light vegetables, followed by a light dessert; and serving a substantial dessert after a light main course. Variation is encouraged, with catering staff advised to avoid repeating the same menu each week; serve different combinations of main courses and desserts; and limit jam to just once a week. Advice is given on how to improve the attractiveness of meals, including embracing the bold natural colours of ingredients; using garnishes such as chopped parsley and sliced tomatoes; and enhancing pastry by glazing with sugar and water (sweet) or milk and water (savoury).
September 2, 2025 at 10:56 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Using police records (sub-fonds ref. C/PO) held by Kent Archives as part of her research, former #Kent Police officer Pam Mills shares with BBC Radio Kent the case of PC Israel May – the first policeman killed whilst on duty in the county.

🎧 Listen today:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdrkzrl57g6o
The first Kent Police officer killed in Snodland in 1873
PC Israel May's body was discovered in Snodland in 1873, shocking a town's community.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 28, 2025 at 8:24 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
As September approaches & the hop harvest season begins, let's explore how hop pickers' efforts were traditionally recorded & the role tally masters played in ensuring they were paid fairly…

🔎 To learn more, click ALT ☟

🧺 See U3685/Z1:
www.kentarchives.org.uk/collections/getrecord/GB51_U3685_11_1
Shown here are two photographs from a hop picking-themed scrapbook [ref. U3685/Z1]. The left photo, dated c.1910, captures a tally master and pickers at Lenacre Farm, Eastwell, emptying a large basket of hops into a sack; and the right photo, undated, comprises three tally sticks used at Provender Farm, Faversham. Tally masters were responsible for measuring the quantity of hops gathered by pickers. Using a type of basket known as a bushel, masters would scoop hops from pickers’ bins to determine their wages – the more bushels filled, the greater the pay. With volume as opposed to weight being the unit of measure, less generous masters were known to overly compress the hops within bushels to force pickers to gather more. Tally sticks were an agricultural currency. Often in two parts (one end for the master, the other for the worker), they were marked to indicate the number of bushels picked. At the end of the day or season, workers could exchange tally sticks for a cash payment.
August 26, 2025 at 11:29 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
#DidYouKnow that we hold over 400 tithe maps for Kent?

Digital copies are available to purchase at £17.00 per map. Files can be sent via WeTransfer, or alternatively, burned to a CD (+ £2.50 P&P).

To place your order, contact us today:
📧 archives@kent.gov.uk
☎️ 03000 420 673
Shown here is an extract from the tithe map of Penshurst (ref. CTR287/B). It’s one of over 400 tithe maps held by Kent Archives and Local History Service, all of which have been digitised to ensure the information they contain can be accessed without compromising the preservation of the original sheets. These digital copies are available for the public to purchase, for private study and reference. You'll receive the ArchAngel Image Browser application (shown here) preloaded with the tithe map of your choosing, together with a folder containing the map tiles as individual image files. If you have any questions about a particular tithe map or would like to receive a list of all those available to purchase, contact us today and we'll be happy to assist. Prices correct at time of post upload – 18th August 2025.
August 18, 2025 at 1:46 PM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Next lunchtime talk: Monday 8th September, 1-2pm
📍 Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone

'Dover: the port before the ferry terminal' presented by Tim Reardon of #Dover Harbour Board.

Book your free seat today:
📧 archives@kent.gov.uk
☎️ 03000 420 673
Shown here is a postcard depicting a view of Admiralty Pier in Dover, c.1909. Image courtesy of Dover Harbour Board. About the talk: Using Dover Harbour Board files that are soon to be transferred to Kent Archives and Local History Service, this talk will explore the development of the port in the first half of the 20th century, its attempts to capture a share of the transatlantic liner traffic, and the challenges of operating a commercial business within a strategic naval base.
August 14, 2025 at 8:25 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
De-accessioned books for sale in our Search Room 📚

No fixed prices – your donation will contribute towards the purchase of new books for our Local History Collection.

The titles on sale are duplicate copies, outdated editions or books which fall short of our collecting policy.
Shown here is a trolley in our Search Room filled with de-accessioned books for sale. Our current titles cover everything from nature and railways to pubs and firefighting. Our team is regularly adding to the trolley, so please feel free to browse each time you visit — you might find the perfect title to aid your research...
July 30, 2025 at 8:56 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
It's #NationalCheeseAndWineDay!

We're taking notes from Jeffery Amherst of Gray's Inn, #London, who in 1691 leased for 7 years a messuage in Warwick Lane to Richard Farshall.

The rent per annum? £30 — oh, and a 20 lb Cheshire cheese! 🧀

☟ See U1350/T83: bit.ly/U1350T83
Shown here is an extract from a seven-year lease of a messuage (i.e. a dwelling house with outbuildings and land assigned to its use) located on Warwick Lane, London. Owned by Jeffery Amherst of Gray’s Inn, it was leased to Richard Farshall, a skinner who was also from London. Dated 12th June 1691, the lease stipulates that Amherst was to receive an annual payment of thirty pounds and ‘one sound Cheshire cheese of twenty pounds weight’, or six shillings and eight pence in lieu of the latter. Whilst his proviso for the cheese to be ‘sound’ was likely just a precautionary inclusion, we can’t help but wonder if Amherst had previously fallen victim to a dubious dairy payment… Document reference: U1350/T83 Amherst Manuscripts Collection
July 25, 2025 at 8:14 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
We're delighted that our readers report such productive and enjoyable experiences of using our Search Room. Our thanks to @araukie.bsky.social ‬for coordinating the Archive Search Room Survey and all those who took part.

Have some feedback to share?
📧 archives@kent.gov.uk
☎️ 03000 420 673
Shown here is a photograph of Kent Archives' Search Room at Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone. Overlaid is a graphic of multicoloured confetti, with text stating '98% customer satisfaction rating – based on feedback received from the Archive Search Room Survey coordinated by the Archives & Records Association'. Conducted in late 2024, the Archive Search Room Survey saw 193 readers contribute their thoughts about our repository – the second highest return out of 80 participating archives, surpassed only by The National Archives. Among the positive comments we received include: · 'The staff are so friendly and responsive. They are knowledgeable and really make one feel welcome. The catalogue is easy to use and the response time to emails is very fast. Always a pleasure to use this archive.' · 'I really appreciate being able to order documents throughout the day – it is so helpful. Very friendly staff.' · 'Spacious, and access to staff very good, I'll be back!'
July 22, 2025 at 8:35 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Hampton was a hamlet which expanded in 1864 at the hands of the oyster fisheries of the Greater Thames Estuary. However, the sea would prove to be a blessing and a curse for this short-lived coastal community…

🔎 To learn more, click ALT
#EYANature

☟ See KHLC-IMG/PR/1/HEB/21
Shown here is an engraving titled ‘Hampton Oyster Fisheries nr. Herne Bay’ by J. S. and Co., n.d. [mid 19th century] (ref. KHLC-IMG/PR/1/HEB/21) Before the arrival of the oyster fishing companies in the 1860s, a community existed at Hampton-on-Sea residing in crudely assembled wooden huts made from wreck material. The establishment of the Herne Bay, Hampton and Reculver Oyster Fishery Company in 1864 saw the construction of a 300-metre pier, terraced housing to accommodate staff (visible at the far left of this engraving), and a tramway to transport oysters inland. However, the decline of the oyster industry in the 1870s left the area available for redevelopment. In 1879, land agents and developers attempted to transform the site into a coastal resort. Plots were sold, amenities planned, and ambitions to establish a thriving seaside suburb took shape. However, the area was low-lying and vulnerable to coastal erosion, a problem that had been long known but somewhat overlooked...
July 16, 2025 at 8:55 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
#DidYouKnow that the earliest document held by Kent Archives is quite possibly the oldest possessed by any county repository in the United Kingdom? 📜👀

It's a charter issued by King Wihtred granting freedom from taxation to the churches and monasteries of #Kent, AD 699

☟ See U140/T1: bit.ly/4lioB0h
Shown here is a charter issued by King Wihtred (c.670 – 23rd April 725) granting freedom from taxation to the churches and monasteries of Kent, AD 699 [ref. U140/T1] Dated at Cilling, the witnesses include Archbishop Berhtuuald; Gemmund, Bishop of Rochester; Tobias (Gemmund's successor); and Hadrian, described as 'indignus monachus' – a colleague and advisor of Theodore of Tarsus, a former Archbishop of Canterbury. This charter was purchased by Sir Albert Stern at Sotheby's in 1946, for presentation to the county. Some information as to its previous history can be gained from its endorsements. It was sold by Messrs Puttick, auctioneers, in 1861 and purchased by Sir Thomas Phillipps. Prior to this it was probably in the Surrenden Dering collection for 200 years – Dering's ownership indicated by marks of a saltire cross in a circle and a Greek letter Delta. An earlier endorsement, possibly dating to the late 12th century, indicates that it was formerly preserved at Christ Church.
July 10, 2025 at 11:36 AM
kentarchives.bsky.social
🗞️ Summer 2025 newsletter: www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter

Discover our recent outreach activities, upcoming lunchtime talks and newly catalogued collections. Also, enjoy an article from CHASE doctoral researcher @harryjgilbert.bsky.social about his spring work placement at Kent Archives.
Shown here is Harry Gilbert, a PhD candidate at the University of Kent, funded by the CHASE Doctoral Training Partnership. He can be seen investigating 1 of 171 uncatalogued documents dating from the 13th to the 17th centuries from the Phillips Manuscripts Collection. [Archives@Kent] is the quarterly newsletter published by Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone. From publicising newly catalogued material to exploring documents in detail and sharing information about upcoming events, our newsletters can be delivered straight to your email inbox or accessed at www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter Have yet to subscribe? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to add you to our mailing list – Email: archives@kent.gov.uk Telephone: 03000 420 673
July 3, 2025 at 1:29 PM
kentarchives.bsky.social
Newly acquired & available to read in our Search Room:

'Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman's House' by Gilbert McCarragher, with foreword by Frances Borzello, 2024

🔎 To view, request ref. BK/C335047697
📚 For blurb, click ALT ☟
#DerekJarman #Dungeness #Kent #LocalHistory
Blurb: Over a near-decade from 1986, the artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman and his partner Keith Collins created a home and sanctuary at Prospect Cottage. After Jarman’s death in 1994, Collins hung net curtains to shield the home they had shared from the eyes of visitors to Prospect’s world-famous garden. In 2018, the photographer Gilbert McCarragher, a friend and neighbour in Dungeness, was asked to record the house, a vital artwork in its own right. It was the first time this private world had been so extensively chronicled. Unfolding room by room, McCarragher’s photographs are accompanied by reflective essays that take the reader inside Prospect Cottage, revealing something of its history and his experience of photographing there.
July 1, 2025 at 11:41 AM