A discussion in Stockmoss smithy

  Mr MacGill and his father James MacGill in Stockmoss smithy, Auchencairn. Dr Werner Kissling, 1956.   In this photograph Mr MacGill the blacksmith and his father James MacGill are having a conversation in the Stockmoss smithy. Dr Kissling captioned this photograph: 'Father and son having a consultation.'   Although Mr MacGill was the blacksmith at the time, he would have learned his trade from his father who was still able to offer advice and experience in the smithy. Blacksmiths traditionally passed their skills down to their children but fewer families chose to do this by the time this photograph was taken.   Dr Werner Kissling (1895-1988) was a German photographer and ethnographer who spent most of his life documenting Scottish crafts, architecture, and agricultural practices. He was associated with Dumfries Museum from the mid-1950s until his death in 1988.   With thanks to the School of Scottish Studies Archives for additional information.