Accession Number

992.017.010

Description

One sepia-toned photograph of a gravesite. There is a large white marble cross on the top of three rectangular blocks of white marble set at one end of the rectangular grave, which is bounded by chamfered marble curbing. The top of the grave is covered in crushed stone, possibly marble. There is an inscription in upper-case lettering beneath the cross chiseled and painted black or inlaid in lead. It reads "IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROBERT WILLIAM DUNSMUIR BORN IN BRITISH COLUMBIA ON 21ST AUGUST 1877 DIED IN SINGAPORE 6TH JANUARY 1928." In the background are many other gravesites. Beside some of them are glass spheres containing artificial flowers, words and symbols.

Narrative

Robert "Robin" William Dunsmuir died in Singapore in 1929 and was buried there. His grave was on cemetery land later expropriated for development. Mr. Dunsmuir's remains were disinterred, stored, and later brought back to British Columbia early in the 21st Century. His remains have since been interred in the Dunsmuir family plot at Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria, B.C. 

History of Use

This photograph was acquired by Robin James Dunsmuir (1912-1990) in about 1950. He was the son of Robert William Dunsmuir. He used it at his house at Victoria’s 10-Mile Point until his death. It was then inherited by his widow, Kathleen Dunsmuir (d. 1992), also known as “Kay” (nee Kathleen Dunderdale Hall). It was then inherited by her niece, who donated it to Craigdarroch Castle in 1992. 

Date

1928

Dimensions

14.6 x 10.5 cm

Subject/Image

The grave of Robert William Dunsmuir, Singapore.

Support

Paper

Technique

Printed

Country of Origin

Singapore