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Dawn, Kings College Cambridge by Ian Scott Massie
Variable Edition Reduction Screen Print - Edition of 12
16" x 12" Mounted size - 10" x 8" Image size
Available: framed @ £179, unframed @ £130
To shop, please click here
16" x 12" Mounted size - 10" x 8" Image size
Available: framed @ £179, unframed @ £130
To shop, please click here
THE PERSIAN HOAX
On days when the railway is undergoing repairs (usually Sundays) one of the benefits of the competitive way the British railway network developed becomes clear. In the scramble to build lines many places are served by several approaches. So, for example, if the main line between Hitchin and Peterborough needs fixing there is a handy loop through Cambridge and Ely on which to reroute the train.
I’ve been going to Cambridge since I was 18 and I’m always happy to wander again its wonderful streets, courtyards and quadrangles. I’ve made many pictures of the city and I’m still finding new corners to portray, but I’ve also come across some fascinating stories, like this one:
On 28th June 1873 Cambridge station - a handsome building of yellow brick - was the setting for civic embarrassment. That morning the Mayor of Cambridge received a letter sent, apparently, by a high-ranking army officer. It announced the 1.10 pm arrival that day of His Majesty The Shah of Persia. The Shah was currently touring Britain and, it seems, had decided to visit the famous university.
Flags were hastily gathered to adorn the route from the station. The Volunteer Rifle Corps put on their uniforms, polished their boots and formed a guard of honour. The city’s dignitaries displayed their chains of office as vast crowds lined the route to King’s Parade. And then everyone waited. As 1.10 pm came and went with no sign of a royal train there was a dawning realisation that they’d been had. The vice-chancellors, councillors and clergy melted away and the crowds enjoyed a laugh at their expense.
It wasn’t long before satirical songs were being written about the hoax, making sure the incident wasn’t quickly forgotten.
I’ve been going to Cambridge since I was 18 and I’m always happy to wander again its wonderful streets, courtyards and quadrangles. I’ve made many pictures of the city and I’m still finding new corners to portray, but I’ve also come across some fascinating stories, like this one:
On 28th June 1873 Cambridge station - a handsome building of yellow brick - was the setting for civic embarrassment. That morning the Mayor of Cambridge received a letter sent, apparently, by a high-ranking army officer. It announced the 1.10 pm arrival that day of His Majesty The Shah of Persia. The Shah was currently touring Britain and, it seems, had decided to visit the famous university.
Flags were hastily gathered to adorn the route from the station. The Volunteer Rifle Corps put on their uniforms, polished their boots and formed a guard of honour. The city’s dignitaries displayed their chains of office as vast crowds lined the route to King’s Parade. And then everyone waited. As 1.10 pm came and went with no sign of a royal train there was a dawning realisation that they’d been had. The vice-chancellors, councillors and clergy melted away and the crowds enjoyed a laugh at their expense.
It wasn’t long before satirical songs were being written about the hoax, making sure the incident wasn’t quickly forgotten.
How it would look on your wall
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