Introduction to Clement Ernest Kille
Clement Ernest Kille was a photographer from Minehead who worked in the 1920s and 30s. He mainly took photos of his daughter and the Somerset landscape. His work has been forgotten for many decades, but his granddaughter, Atha Murphy, has now found his photos and they will be exhibited in the town of Minehead until August 9th.
The Discovery of the Photos
Atha Murphy found the photos when she was sorting through boxes for a house move. She was surprised to find over 400 fragile glass panels, each carefully preserved in brown paper intersections. The photos show the region, including the long-torn Minehead Lido, the last of the wooden sailing boats, old agricultural methods, ships, and their seafarers.
Mr. Kille’s Life and Work
Mr. Kille headed a gift and art business in Friday Street, Minehead, over 100 years ago. He was a passionate photographer, and his work regularly appeared in national newspapers, including The Daily Telegraph, the Manchester Guardian, The News Chronicle, and The Daily Express. His photos often showed life in the West Country, and his granddaughter says they "build a picture of him".
A Loving Father
Ms. Murphy never met her grandfather, who died before her parents got married. However, she says the pictures she found show him to be a calm and creative person, and a very loving father. He clearly revered his daughter, and took many beautiful pictures of her. The photos are a testament to his love for his family and the region he lived in.
The Exhibition
The free exhibition in the Townsend House takes place until August 9th. Ms. Murphy is proud to see her grandfather’s work on display, and says it’s nice to remember him. People who have visited the exhibition have recognized people they knew in the photos, which has been a lovely experience for Ms. Murphy. The exhibition is a chance for people to see a piece of history and learn about the life and work of Clement Ernest Kille.
