24/08/2026
In the archives: Bobby’s Letters
Our assistant curator is working through a collection of letters written by a Western Telegraph Company employee, Edgar Lawrence Smith, or Bobby (he signs his letters Bobs), to his family over ten years (1915 – 1925). He writes from stations across the world, commenting on daily life, his work and the entertainments he enjoys in these different places. Over the next ten weeks we will be sharing little details we have learnt about Bobby and his life!
In 1915 we learn:
- Bobby is a passionate photographer, with a distaste for Kodak film 📸🎞️.
- He is trying out tennis, billiards and sailing! 🎾🎱⛵️
- He does his best in message tests but often lingers in the middle of the pack, but the tests are hard! Especially the 50 message test which everyone failed on their first attempt. 📝🧐
- He wants to move on but will be staying in Madeira to trial working in the workshop. 🔨 🪚
