Builder finds 1920s student memorabilia behind fireplace

By Faye Mayern via SWNS

A fascinating trove of momentoes giving an insight into the life of a Cambridge University student in the 1920s has been discovered hidden behind a fireplace.

Postcards, an invitation and lists of chapel services belonging to student Ian S. Osborn were found by a builder renovating part of Christ's College.

Builder Luke Johnson found the items at First Court which was historically used as student accommodation and is one of the oldest parts of the university.

One of the postcards found was sent to Osborn by a friend Eric from Adelboden, Switzerland in January 1922.

Eric wrote: “Having a very jolly time here. Plenty to do. Quite like skiing. Having nice weather but it is snowing to-day.”

Chapel cards were also found and a program for a production of ‘The Magic Flute’ at the New Theatre Cambridge in December 1911.

Luke, who found the items, said: “I’m used to finding things like postage stamps and newspaper cuttings, but I still get a thrill from these little bits of history.”

Osborn came to Christ's from Sheffield in 1919 to study engineering and occupied the room K2 between 1921 to 1922 - paying £6 10s for his rent.

The keen sportsperson who played rugby and become a well-known mountaineer paid £2, 11 s, 6d for his furniture.

Osborn became a director of Samuel Osborn and Co, Ltd, the Sheffield steelworks founded by his grandfather in 1927.

He died after a short illness in 1936, having just climbed Dent Blanche, one of the highest peaks in the Swiss Alps.

College archivist Dr. Lucy Hughes said: “We might imagine that these items were displayed, propped up on the mantelpiece and then accidentally fell down behind and remained lost for a century.

"These buildings have long histories, and their fabric can remain untouched for generations – so sometimes when things are lost, they can stay lost for a long time.”

Osborn's room became a College Office used by the Bursar and more recently was known as the Old Law Library after he moved out.

It is the temporary home of the College Porters while the next stage of the First Court renovation takes place.

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