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Cochin

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022PPP-YYY

Scope and Contents

A collection of albums containing photographs, the majority taken by A.C. McKay but some by R.V. Kamath and by professional photographers.

The collection consists of photographs mostly 85 x 60 mm, but with occasional enlargements, carefully mounted in large albums and described in some detail in clear white writing on the black leaves. Each album is numbered on the spine, and clearly formed part of a larger collection than has been received.

McKay was a prolific photographer, and these albums reflect his interests - sailing, golf, travels at weekends along lagoons and by road into the interior, Scouting, and social life. He also took an interest in the way of life of the people and from time to time grouped material together under one subject. In view of the substantial size of this collection and the detailed descriptions provided in the albums, individual listing has not been attempted, but photographs are noted under broad subjects. In a number of cases enlargements are stuck in the same album as the originals, and it is probable that there was also some duplication when he gathered material on the same subject together. No attempt has been made to identify such duplicates. Though the final album does not relate to India, it has been kept, and listed, with the rest of the McKay collection for convenience.



Dates

  • Creation: 1928 - 1939

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Biographical / Historical

Alan Campbell McKay was born on 7 August 1904. He first went to Cochin in 1928, having previously served in Ceylon. In a photograph album dated 1931 he described himself in the following way: 'Alan Campbell McKay, a Scotsman. Assistant-Accountant, National Bank of India, Ltd., Colombo, Nuwara Eliya and Cochin. Assistant District Commissioner of Boy Scouts, British Cochin. Hon. Badge Secretary, Boy Scouts District Association, British Cochin. Honorary Secretary, Cochin Golf Club. Member, Cochin Club Library Committee. Sports: golf, cricket, walking and motor-cycling. Hobbies: Reading, writing, photography. Collecting brassware and Eastern curios. Failings: Over-talkativeness, argumentativeness - and some'. He remained in banking until his retirement, and died in December 1984.

Extent

10 album(s) (1640 images in 10 albums)

Language of Materials

English

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Generally in good condition.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was given by Bertram Rota Ltd. in April 1986.

General

This collection level description was entered by SG using information from the original typescript catalogue.

Originator(s)

McKay, Alan Campbell, 1904-1984, banker

Includes index.
Date
2004-04-21 13:58:40+00:00
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository

Contact:
Cambridge University Library
West Road
Cambridge CB3 9DR United Kingdom