Swanley History Group – Media Report – November 2014 meeting
Many a treasure has been found hidden away in an attic. When Dr Gerald Cramp was asked to help clear an attic for a ‘downsizing’ neighbour he discovered thousands of magic lantern slides. At that time he did not have anything to show them with - but what should turn up at a sale in New Ash Green….a magic lantern! A new interest began and we were lucky enough to enjoy a show of scenes of North West Kent from his collection at our November meeting.
The earliest use of magic lanterns dates from the seventeenth century – Samuel Pepys mentioned seeing a show in his diary. The necessary components are a picture or photograph sandwiched between two pieces of glass, a lens and a source of light. Limelight was first used, replaced in Victorian times by paraffin and then by light bulbs with the coming of electricity. Fortunately Gerald bought a large supply as they are no longer available. The demise of this form of entertainment happened with the advent of the movies.
Travel for leisure became popular from the nineteenth century with more forms of public transport available – the railways, river steamers and bus companies – and the publication of travel guides such as The Illustrated Tourist Guide to Rochester, Down By the Darent and Field Path Rambles. Gerald’s presentation of slides followed a journey that visitors from London might have taken on one of their excursions into Kent. Places associated with Charles Dickens were visited by Victorian travellers and slides of his home, Gads Hill, leafy Watling Street and various landmarks in Cobham featured. Scenes near to our area were shown too, such as ancient houses and farms in Hartley; Green Street Green and the nearby Roman villa, Southfleet, Horton Kirby and the famous scene of the ford at Eynsford. A very enjoyable scenic trip into the past.
Christina Tyler, Programme Organiser
Many a treasure has been found hidden away in an attic. When Dr Gerald Cramp was asked to help clear an attic for a ‘downsizing’ neighbour he discovered thousands of magic lantern slides. At that time he did not have anything to show them with - but what should turn up at a sale in New Ash Green….a magic lantern! A new interest began and we were lucky enough to enjoy a show of scenes of North West Kent from his collection at our November meeting.
The earliest use of magic lanterns dates from the seventeenth century – Samuel Pepys mentioned seeing a show in his diary. The necessary components are a picture or photograph sandwiched between two pieces of glass, a lens and a source of light. Limelight was first used, replaced in Victorian times by paraffin and then by light bulbs with the coming of electricity. Fortunately Gerald bought a large supply as they are no longer available. The demise of this form of entertainment happened with the advent of the movies.
Travel for leisure became popular from the nineteenth century with more forms of public transport available – the railways, river steamers and bus companies – and the publication of travel guides such as The Illustrated Tourist Guide to Rochester, Down By the Darent and Field Path Rambles. Gerald’s presentation of slides followed a journey that visitors from London might have taken on one of their excursions into Kent. Places associated with Charles Dickens were visited by Victorian travellers and slides of his home, Gads Hill, leafy Watling Street and various landmarks in Cobham featured. Scenes near to our area were shown too, such as ancient houses and farms in Hartley; Green Street Green and the nearby Roman villa, Southfleet, Horton Kirby and the famous scene of the ford at Eynsford. A very enjoyable scenic trip into the past.
Christina Tyler, Programme Organiser