Smagg's staircase, Douglas
Date(s): n.d. [1932-1934]
Creator(s): Frowde, John James
Scope & Content: On the back of this photograph Frowde writes, 'Smagg's staircase taken low enough for a lantern slide, to get in the lamp. It was by the light from an older lamp that Smagg was wont to read his paper on the top of the staircase & save his tallow dip. (Later - had forgotten that the whole film just fills a lantern slide with a mask on either side.) Best for a L. slide - to get in lamp & most of the steps. FD2 a better picture & preferable. FD45 still better possibly. FD74 still better OK - but Spittal's Court gone." Additional note: "6 Seneschal Lane. Fred Smagg's staircase W. to E. Smagg a quaint character; grate-setter, but handy at any job. The bricks were gathered by youngsters at a low price & the pilasters once were bedposts. He is supposed to have built this stair so that he could read his paper by the light of the outside lamp, & so save his tallow dip. Still in No. 6 1880 (B's Directory). Short, stocky man, somewhat bow-legged, bifurcated short, brown beard & moustache & a rolling, sailor-like gait'.
Language: eng
Extent: overall: 8.5 cm x 6 cm
Physical description: black & white print
Item name: photograph
Collection: Photographic Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: PG/8224/17/138