News archive - May '09

Unveiling of new photograph of Mary Seacole takes place on Monday 22 June 2009

An unknown photograph and a rare signature of Jamaican born Crimean War nursing heroine Mary Seacole (1805-1881) have been unearthed at one of England's oldest public schools. The exciting discovery, in an album devoted to the Crimean war, was made earlier this year by Dr Geoffrey Day, the current Fellows' and Eccles Librarian at Winchester College.

Dr Day, notes that the photograph of Mary Seacole is full face and that there is a wealth of detail: her hair style and the lace edging on her clothes particularly stand out. Also of great interest is that there is a signature of Mary Seacole, which is extremely rare. That her photograph is an indication of her importance at the time: all the others in the album are of military leaders: Mary Seacole is the only non-combatant photograph.

Now the photograph is to be used to keep Mary Seacole's name alive. Winchester College, whilst retaining copyright of the image, has kindly allowed the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal sole use of it in order to raise funds for their appeal.

A specially designed postcard has been produced by the MSMSA and will soon be available for purchase. Further details in due course.