German born Dr Werner Kissling left the German Diplomatic Service in response to the rise of the Nazi party and instead dedicated his life to documenting local crafts and buildings in Scotland and Yorkshire. He lived in Dumfries and Galloway from the 1950s until his death in Dumfries in 1988. In that time he took hundreds of photographs across the area — of local mills, farm buildings, haaf netters, blacksmiths and clogging — and also carried out research on behalf of the museum.
A collection of his photographs are already at Dumfries Museum and it has now acquired a suitcase of personal items too. As part of a new project, the museum is keen to collect memories about Dr Kissling and his photographs and wants to hear from anyone who remembers meeting him or seeing his images.
If you can help, contact the museum on 01387 253374 or email [email protected].
