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Historic discoveries can happen in the most unexpected places. In a theater, a man found a bottle containing a message that had been untouched for almost 120 years, hidden above the stage. The discovery sparked curiosity and raised questions about who wrote it and what their intention was in leaving it there.
5While restoring the ceiling of a historic Scottish residence, workers discovered something unexpected hidden among the rafters: a sealed glass bottle, untouched for more than a century. Inside, a handwritten note waited to be read, carrying words from a distant past.
The historic King's Theatre recently made an unexpected discovery. During renovations, a local photographer found a small glass bottle hidden above the stage, untouched for nearly 120 years.
Inside it was a handwritten parchment dated 1906, the year the theater opened.
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Unexpected discovery
The photographer was exploring the structure of the theater when he noticed an empty space behind an ornamental red and gold crown.
Following a natural impulse of someone who appreciates history, he reached into the place and found the bottle sealed with plaster.
The object was covered in dust and debris that had accumulated over the decades, making the discovery even more intriguing.
He noticed there was a piece of paper inside, but time had worn away the ink, making the message difficult to read. His heart raced as he realized he was holding a historical artifact, possibly untouched since it was left there.
Message rescue
The bottle was delivered to the Scottish Conservation Studio, who began a careful process to open the container without damaging the content.
However, the parchment was so fragile that it could not be removed without risk. Initially, conservators tried to gently heat the glass to soften the plaster, but the attempt was abandoned for fear of compromising the integrity of the paper.
The solution came in February, when Laura Clair, a glass technician at Edinburgh College of Art, managed to remove the base of the bottle.
The parchment, which had become glued together due to the passage of time, was treated with chemicals so that it could be unrolled without damage. The process took days, requiring patience and precision.
What was written
The message contained a list of professionals who participated in the construction of the King's Theatre. Among the names were architects, designers, plasterers and apprentices.
The first name identified was that of William Stewart Cruickshank, owner of the construction company responsible for the work.
Other names include architects John Daniel Swanston, James Davidson and John Tulloch, as well as a father-and-son plastering team. These professionals left their mark on the theatre and ensured that their names would be remembered.
historical significance
Abby Pendlebury, the theatre’s heritage engagement manager, highlighted the importance of the message. “The significance of the note lies in the diversity of names. From directors to apprentices, everyone who worked in construction had their names recorded. There is a strong sense of pride in this list.“He said.
The discovery also comes at an opportune time.
The King's Theatre is launching an online repository of more than 2.700 artefacts relating to its history, which will include detailed records of past performances and behind-the-scenes material.
The theatre’s renovation is ongoing and is due to be completed in 2026. The find reinforces the living history of the King’s Theatre, a space that continues to thrill and amaze generations.
