History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects #10: Lantern Slides

During the second half of the 19th century, the world of photography changed, migrating from being a luxurious novelty, to a medium which many people interacted with. Glass lantern slides were used to share the comparatively new world of photography with broad audiences.

Sedbergh’s collection of glass lantern slides span a period from the 1880’s to mid 20th century. Sadly, the photographers themselves are not recorded and so we do not know who created each of the images. However, the photographs themselves are treasured and revered, offering as they do a glimpse of life for both pupils and masters here at Sedbergh.

Unlike the formal, posed photographs created annually to record sports teams or boarding houses, these slides capture snapshot moments on the edge of pitches, of men and boys enjoying the fells, and scenes in the private areas of boarding houses.

In the later part of the twentieth century, former School archivist Elspeth Griffith and teacher Peter Yorke, held an annual lantern slide show for newly arrived pupils. In the darkened School library, lit only by the light of the projector, pupils were introduced to the traditions and buildings of Sedbergh through this beautiful collection of slides. What a fitting introduction to the School.

In spring 2025 the Foundation purchased a new scanner for the archive to allow the collection to be captured digitally for the first time. Scanning the collection at high resolution has offered the chance to see details on the slides that may never have been visible previously, trims of lace on 19th century gown, the spokes on bicycles and tiny rivulets of water running down the fells. The new scanner is a wonderful asset to the archive and has changed the way the collection can be shared with our audience around the world. Highlights of the newly digitised lantern slide collection will be available to view during the May Gala weekend archive exhibition in Powell Hall.