Charming drawings found in charity donation give a personal glimpse into past
A DERBYSHIRE charity has made an incredible discovery at the bottom of a donation bag that’s given staff an extraordinary insight into how life used to be more than a century ago.
The books, described as autograph books, contain a number of illustrations, poems and inspiring memories.
The collection was handed in at the Hasland, Chesterfield branch of Ashgate Hospice, but the books were at the very bottom of the bag so staff had no idea what awaited them when they accepted the pre-loved items.
It’s understood the owner of the books was a ‘Mr Glyn’ but that could only be determined following an investigation of the items themselves. Each entry into the books is autographed, possibly by the person who make the drawings or by the subject of the illustrations and the dates on them range from 1919 to 1938.
Now Ashgate Hospice is appealing to anyone who can shed more light on the items from the period between the two World Wars. The charity is hoping they can add more information about the unique and “priceless” items prior to them being auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Ecommerce Assistant at Ashgate Hospice, Kevin Marshall, who works in the charity’s retail team, said: “We received these books in a random bag of donations and they really caught our eye! They are very charming, and we’ve never seen anything quite like them before.
“They have a very warm, sentimental feeling to them! They really put a smile on my face. This is not a collection of famous pop stars or sports personalities; it is just a record of people that the books’ owner met along the way through their life.
“He would ask people he came across to write something or draw a doodle in his books. They have no great value but at the same time they are priceless and make for a fascinating read!”
In a versified message in one of the books, in 1921, Mr Glyn says: “Every friend I would invite, a trifle in this book to write, poetic thought or merry jest. Each will be here, a welcome guest.
“Kind reader use your pen and brain and do not let me ask in vain when many years have passed away. And evening shadows round me play, then shall this book of jest and truths, recall the memory of my youth.
“Again, I, my friend invite, a trifle in this book to write.”