In October, we were joined by a new member of the team, Tara, who is our new Collections Assistant for Reprographics. We’ve asked her to introduce herself to our readers…
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Hello, I’m Tara, the new Collections Assistant (Reprographics), replacing the much-loved Jo who recently retired. It sounds like I have big shoes to fill!
I am very excited to be part of this fantastic and friendly team and have had a lovely warm welcome. I have spent the past 25 years as a photography teacher & lecturer, teaching AS and A level photography and FdA photography, and feel lucky to have spent time with some truly wonderful people. Prior to teaching I worked for some years as a senior medical photographer, a job requiring a strong stomach! I shall leave it there!
My new role so far has been fascinating, handling and photographing some incredible documents, including a copy of a diary entry from Magdalene College, Cambridge belonging to Samuel Pepys, originally written in cipher, and transcribed in a typewriter written form. The diary entry recounted Charles II stay at Trent in1651 – Pepys would have been 18 years old. I am particularly intrigued by the language style at the time, as well as the use of cipher.
Most recently, by coincidence, I have also digitised a beautiful large wax seal and manuscript of Charles II – such an incredible object to have the privilege of handling and photographing.
I have photographed some beautiful hand drawn maps, and a few last-minute additions for the upcoming Frink exhibition at Dorset Museum.
Today I have been shown an ongoing project digitising a large collection of glass plate negatives of the village of Broadmayne; this is something that excites me greatly, as I have an affinity for historical photographic processes. Look out for a future blog about these!
My great Grandfather was a volunteer fireman in Poole.
I have his helmet and medals together with an Illuminated address which celebrated his service from 1887 to 1932. issued by the Borough of Poole.
Signed by the Mayor Herbert Carter.
Poole museum and The fire brigade were not interested in my collection so wondered if Dorchester would be.
I know you are extremely busy so would understand if you declined .
PS. The helmet inside was converted into a smokers companion which is a bit ironic.
Hi Len, thanks for your message. Unfortunately here at Dorset History Centre we do not collect artefacts, so would not want to take in your helmet and medals (though their history does sound fascinating!) You might want to get in touch with Dorset Museum instead, as they might be interested: https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/donating-objects/.