Dr Werner Kissling is the topic of this month’s meeting in Castle Douglas, presented by Judith Hewitt
Stewartry u3a is inviting new members to join the UK wide cooperative movement of retired and semi-retired people
Stewartry u3a is delighted to welcome members and visitors to its monthly meeting at Castle Douglas Parish Church at 10:15am on 28th October, which will include an insightful contribution from speaker Judith Hewitt on the life of photographer Dr Werner Kissling.
Born in Breslau, Germany (now Poland) in 1895, Dr Kissling was an ethnographer and a photographer, focusing on rural crafts, agriculture and architecture. His research began in the Hebridean islands of Eriskay and South Uist and he spent the last thirty years of his life researching Dumfries and Galloway culture from Dumfries Museum.
Judith Hewitt, Museum Curator for the East of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Arts and Museums Service, is responsible for six museums: Annan Museum, Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum, Robert Burns House, The Robert Burns Centre, The Old Bridge House and Dumfries Museum.
She said, “Dr Kissling began his life in great luxury in pre-World War One Germany. Over the years his fortunes declined and he ended his life virtually penniless in Dumfries.
“Throughout his life he took wonderful photographs showing an interest in everything and everyone.”
When he died in 1988, a collection of his photographs was donated to Dumfries Museum, followed by some personal belongings in 2018. Judith’s talk on 28th October will cover his life and work, including his involvement in Dumfries Museum.
Formed in 2009, Stewartry u3a is a thriving and friendly member-led organisation offering over 50 study, creative and leisure groups to more than 300 members.
The Stewartry is a rugged and rural locality in Dumfries and Galloway, south west Scotland, benefitting from quaint coastal towns, forestry and farmland.
However, beautiful rural areas can have their downsides. With poor public transport, lack of amenities and few opportunities for connection, many older people can feel socially isolated.
Stewartry u3a is tackling this head on, by providing low-cost opportunities for retired and part-time employed people to come together to continue their educational, social and creative interests with like-minded, friendly people.
Stewartry u3a member and Speaker Team Leader, Ruth Airley, has had the privilege of viewing some of Dr Kissling’s photography and she says “the photograph of Werner sailing is my favourite. He really was a photographer of a vanishing world.”
If you are interested in attending the Stewartry u3a’s October meeting you can attend without having to pre-register. The meeting is at 10:15am on Tuesday 28th October in Castle Douglas Parish Church and is open to all retired and semi-retired people, or those in part-time employment or unable to work due to a health condition.
For more information about Stewartry u3a, including the list of groups and excursions available to members, visit www.stewartryu3a.org.uk
The Out & About section in Dumfries & Galloway is headlined by Gretna Green
A Place to Escape From it All – Scotland’s most romantic destination since 1754
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