By Yasas Senanayake and Disalana Jayasooriya (Web Content Team)
As Trinity College Kandy celebrated its 153rd anniversary, the school proudly unveiled its rich legacy through a remarkable antique exhibition titled 153 Years of Footprints. The event paid homage to various collectables that have helped shape Trinity’s illustrious history since its founding in 1872. Held at the Lakshaman Kadirgamar Auditorium and organised by the Trinity College Archives and Museum, the exhibition offered a platform to honour the school’s remarkable journey and showcase its storied past.
A Musical Legacy
While these instruments could not be physically brought into the exhibition due to their size, fragility and age, a video played at the exhibition ensured that their stories were told and appreciated.
It featured a Yamaha Electronic Organ Model 02, purchased for Trinity College on the 14th of July 1970. It was acquired from M. Caderamanpulle, General Importers and Manufacturers, was once the centerpiece of the Chapel’s musical heritage. Played by the talented Mr. Barnabus Alexander, its harmonious tones echoed through generations before being lovingly preserved in the archives.
Another highlight was the Blüthner Grand Piano, a gift believed to have been donated by Lord Mountbatten, a close associate of Major Gordon Burrows, a prominent figure in Trinity’s history. With its serial number identifying it as constructed in the 1870s, this over 150-year-old masterpiece once graced the main hall, captivating audiences with its timeless elegance and exquisite craftsmanship.
The Printing Revolution
The exhibition also celebrated Trinity’s contribution to education and communication through its historic printing machines. The Trinity College Printing Press, established in 1925, featured two platen presses and a cutter acquired by Rev. MacLeod Campbell from a bankrupt printing establishment in Batticaloa. Designed by Cope, Sherwin & Company in London, these pressed produced books, programs and beautifully folded materials, revolutionizing communication at Trinity during the early 20th century.
It also featured motor mechanism diagrams used to print a book for students and a Library Book Plate Designed by Budd Jansze in 1925.
Timeless Treasures
Visitors to the exhibition were treated to an array of antique stationery items that hold sentimental value and historical value. From seal holders and letter punch sets to typewriters from the 1920s to the 1980s, these pieces highlight the craft and ingenuity of their time. The collection also featured a telephone switchboard and an antique cash register that once played a vital role in school operations.
Other rare items included two pocket watches used by exemplary students from the early 1900s, an antique projector, a British barometer from 1930, a radio from the 1950s, vinyl discs, cassette players, and a franking machine. These artifacts serve as vivid reminders of Trinity’s commitment to embracing innovation while preserving its rich traditions.
Celebrating a Legacy and Looking Ahead
153 Years of Footprints was the first of its kind and has set a benchmark emphasizing Trinity’s unique ability to preserve and celebrate its history. It’s a monumental achievement, as not every school has the privilege or opportunity to undertake such a visionary initiative.
As the exhibition drew to a close, attendees left with a profound sense of pride and inspiration, reminded of Trinity’s enduring legacy. With a history steeped in excellence, culture, and innovation, Trinity stands as a beacon of ambition, ready to inspire generations to come.
This exhibition not only celebrated the past, but also ignited a vision for the future in which tradition and progress continue to coexist harmoniously. Here’s to 153 years of Trinity College Kandy and many more milestones to come!
