Dumfries Museum has recently acquired a suitcase of personal items to add to their collection of photographs by the late Dr Werner Kissling. Born in Germany in 1895, Dr Kissling left the German Diplomatic Service in response to the rise of the Nazi party and instead dedicated his life to documenting local crafts and buildings in Scotland and Yorkshire. He died in Dumfries in 1988.
Dr Kissling, lived and took photographs around Dumfries and Galloway from the 1950s to the 1980s. He was a well-known local figure in Dumfries and did research on behalf of the museum. As part of a new project, the museum is keen to collect memories about Dr Kissling and his photographs.
The museum would like to hear from people who may have recollections of meeting Dr Kissling, or of seeing his photographs. The museum has a large number of photographs taken by Dr Kissling, who photographed local mills and farm buildings, haaf net fishing, blacksmithing, and clogging.
Anyone with memories of Dr Kissling, or who may have information about the photographs he took around Dumfries and Galloway should contact the museum on 01387 253374 or email [email protected].
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of Communities, said;
“Dr Kissling’s photographs are a valuable record of the recent history of our region. It is vital that these photographs are preserved in the museum, alongside memories of Dr Kissling as a photographer and as a member of the community.”
Councillor John Martin, Vice-Chair of Communities, said;
“Collaborative approaches to preserving local history demonstrates the important relationship between the museum and the contributions of the local community.”
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