In December 2024, an incredible discovery was made at Edinburgh’s historic King’s Theatre. Hidden for over a century behind an ornate crown decoration in the proscenium arch, a 119-year-old message in a bottle was uncovered during the theatre’s £40 million restoration project. This find, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the theatre’s past, was the result of the keen curiosity of historian and photographer Mike Hume. What began as a routine tour for donors quickly turned into a significant archaeological moment, revealing a time capsule from 1906 that would provide important insight into the people who built the theatre.
The King’s Theatre and Its Hidden History
Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre, established in 1906, is one of Scotland’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Designed in the Baroque style by architects John D. Swanston and James Davidson, the theatre has stood as a witness to countless performances and events. However, the theatre has always been shrouded in mystery, especially concerning the construction process. Behind the beautiful plaster work, rich interior, and elegant designs lies a forgotten piece of history—a piece that remained hidden behind the theatre’s proscenium arch for over a century.
The discovery of the message in the bottle sheds light on this forgotten history, revealing the names of the contractors and workers who helped create the iconic venue. These people, who worked tirelessly in 1906 to bring the theatre to life, are now immortalized thanks to this extraordinary find.
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Watch the video as a 1906 message in a bottle is discovered, unveiling a piece of history!
Mike Hume: The Historian Who Uncovered the Bottle
Mike Hume, a theatre historian and photographer, was no stranger to the King’s Theatre, having long been a donor and supporter of its preservation. During the theatre’s restoration work, he found himself on a private tour, high up on scaffolding, as the workers carefully worked to uncover the secrets hidden within the walls. It was during this tour, as he reached into a gap in the ornate crown decoration, that Hume made the remarkable discovery.
To the untrained eye, it appeared as just another section of plaster debris. However, Hume’s trained instincts led him to pull out a glass bottle, sealed and hidden for over a century. Upon inspecting the bottle, he could clearly see the inscription “1906” written on a piece of folded paper inside. Little did he know, this would be the beginning of a journey into the history of the King’s Theatre.
The Message Inside: Revealing the Crew Behind the Theatre’s Construction
Once the bottle was removed and the contents safely extracted, experts were able to reveal a list of names that detailed the team responsible for the theatre’s creation. Dated to October 1906, just two months before the theatre opened its doors to the public, the note contained the names of key individuals involved in the construction, from the architects to the apprentices who worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition.
The list began with the names of contractors W.S. (William Stuart) Cruikshank & Son, followed by architects Swanston and Davidson. It also included various other roles: draughtsmen, foreman plasterers, and shop & job plasterers, with notable mentions of George King Senior and Junior, a father-son plastering duo. This list of names, long-forgotten and hidden behind the plaster, now serves as a testament to the collaborative effort that went into building one of Edinburgh’s most cherished cultural institutions.
The Preservation Process: Conservators Unveil the Past
After the bottle was removed from its hiding place, a complex preservation process ensued. The bottle was sealed with plaster, which made it impossible to access the note without potentially damaging it. The first step in the preservation process involved carefully removing the plaster seal to expose the bottle top. However, the paper inside had been tightly rolled and was stuck to itself in places, making it difficult to unfold without further damaging the fragile contents.
The team of conservators at the Scottish Conservation Studio worked meticulously to ensure the paper would be safely extracted without causing any harm. The final challenge was cutting the base of the bottle with a fine diamond blade to release the note, a delicate process overseen by Laura Clair, a Glass Technician from the Edinburgh College of Art. Finally, after months of careful work, the note was fully revealed, and the historic list of names came to life once more.
The Swanston Family’s Contribution to the Archive
In addition to the message in the bottle, another key piece of the theatre’s history was uncovered. The Swanston family, descendants of the architects who designed the King’s Theatre, had donated several items to The People’s Archive. These included tools used by John D. Swanston, images of the plaster moulds that decorated the theatre’s interior, and a postcard showing Swanston in his First World War uniform. The Swanston family’s contribution to preserving the theatre’s history has added an extra layer of depth to the story of the King’s Theatre and its creators.
The Legacy: Displaying the Message for Future Generations
The discovery of the message in a bottle has not only revealed the names of the people who built the theatre but also provided a sense of pride and ownership to the workers who contributed to its creation. Abby Pendlebury, Heritage Engagement Manager at Capital Theatres, stated that the significance of the message lies in the fact that it is a symbol of the pride that these workers felt in their contributions. The note is not just a historical artifact but a testament to the hard work and dedication of those involved in the theatre’s construction.
When the King’s Theatre reopens in 2026, the bottle and the note will be on display in a new exhibition space dedicated to the history of the theatre. The display will offer visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the theatre’s origins and learn about the people who made it all possible. The inclusion of the message in The People’s Archive ensures that the legacy of those who built the theatre will continue to be shared with generations to come.
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Watch the video to discover how one man found 1,200 messages in bottles – an incredible journey of discovery!
Conclusion: Preserving History and Honoring the King’s Theatre
The discovery of the 119-year-old message in a bottle behind the proscenium arch of Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving history. Not only does it provide us with valuable insight into the theatre’s construction, but it also highlights the tireless efforts of those who worked to create a cultural landmark that continues to serve the community today.
As we look forward to the King’s Theatre’s reopening in 2026, we can take pride in knowing that the story of the people who built it will live on, thanks to the dedication of historians, conservators, and the Swanston family. The message in the bottle is a true gift to the future, ensuring that the legacy of Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre endures for generations to come.
