The King’s Theater in Edinburgh holds a rich history that has recently been uncovered during a renovation project. Photographer Mike Hume made a remarkable discovery while exploring the ornamental red-and-gold crown on the theater’s proscenium arch. Behind the crown, he found a small glass bottle sealed with plaster, containing a rolled-up message dated 1906.
The message, discovered during a large-scale renovation of the historic theater, was too fragile to be retrieved initially. However, after months of careful work by experts from the Scottish Conservation Studio and the Edinburgh College of Art, the scroll was successfully unfurled. The message contained a list of people involved in the theater’s construction, including contractors, draftsmen, architects, plasterers, and apprentices.
Among the names listed on the scroll were William Stewart Cruickshank, the owner of the building company that constructed the theater, as well as architects John Daniel Swanston, James Davidson, and John Tulloch. The message also highlighted a father-and-son team of plasterers, showcasing the pride and ownership these individuals took in their work on the theater.
The discovery of the message in the bottle adds a fascinating layer to the ongoing renovation of the King’s Theater. As the theater prepares to launch an online repository of artifacts representing its Edwardian history, including old playbills, programs, costume designs, and the newly uncovered message, the significance of this find becomes even more impactful. The message serves as a time capsule of history, honoring the local people who contributed to the theater’s construction over a century ago.
Mike Hume, the discoverer of the message, reflects on the significance of this find, noting that it pays tribute to the countless individuals who have graced the stage of the King’s Theater. The discovery of the message in the bottle is a testament to the theater’s rich heritage and the community that has been a part of its history.
As the renovation project continues and the archive of artifacts is set to launch, the King’s Theater is poised to share its storied past with audiences both near and far. The message in the bottle serves as a poignant reminder of the theater’s enduring legacy and the dedication of those who contributed to its construction.
