Writes Isabel Hesketh, Archivist
It continues to be very busy in the School Archive and this term has seen a few very distinguished guests pay visits and generously share expertise. Egyptologist and friend of the School, Dr John H. Taylor, came to view a selection of our 235 objects from Ancient Egypt. Staff and pupils were able to witness him reading hieroglyphs on some of our wooden fragments and faience shabtis that haven’t been studied since the 90s. The School Archivist was most grateful to John for dating some of the artefacts and for providing incredible insight into the school’s remarkable collection of Egyptian artefacts.
Another visit was made this week by Dr Ollie Croker from the British Museum’s Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities. The School’s Archaeological Society had very strong links with the British Museum for its first 50 years and we are now working to document this relationship in more detail. In one afternoon, Dr Croker managed to look at most of the collection (1,500 objects) which was impressive. We will continue to research the archaeological collection in 2026, now that the auditing of the collection, undertaken by Divs pupils in the Archive Club, is now complete.
Another important visit was made by two Edmund Spenser academics who came to see the School’s portrait of our former pupil and poet. This painting, not currently on display at School because it is in need of restoration, is discussed in more detail in the recent edition of Concordia, along with some of the other portraits in the School’s collection.
The School Archivist was pleased to help welcome Midshipman Drewry’s Victoria Cross back to site after 29 years at the Imperial War Museum. This very special afternoon, attended by members of the Drewry family, saw the School commemorate Drewry in a moving ceremony. All staff and pupils were invited into the Archive to see the medal before the Ceremony and took the opportunity to take part in a moment of our School’s history.
We have had two wonderful volunteers working on Monday afternoons who have finished sorting through the Everitt collection of School photos (soon to be put online).
No doubt 2026 will continue to be busy. In March we will celebrate School Archives Day with activities planned over a three-day period (10-12 March). Divs pupils in the Archive Club, along with the Head Master, School Archivist and Mr Sharrock are planning on doing some field archaeology onsite once the weather becomes a bit warmer.
The School Archivist continues to welcome all offers of gifts and donations, and will be happy to hear from all members of the School community who might like to donate or just get in touch on isjh@mtsn.org.uk.
