Peter Orlando Hutchinson

Peter Orlando Hutchinson (1810–1897) was an English Victorian diarist and artist.[1] He was born in Winchester, but spent all his adult life in Sidmouth, Devon.[2]

Self-portrait (c.1848)

Diaries

Hutchinson was a polymath whose interests ranged from politics to the preservation of telephone poles. He was also an amateur musician (flute and French horn) as well as a stonecarver. His major achievement, however, was a series of diaries and sketchbooks, containing observations on the geology, archaeology, botany and other items of interest relating to East Devon.[3]

Church restoration

In his capacity as a stonecarver, he helped to save and restore the Old Chancel in Sidmouth. He was on the Committee for the restoration of the parish church in 1860, but felt that not enough of the original building was being preserved, so he bought and re-erected the chancel in his own garden, later attaching it to his house.[4]

Publication of his ancestor's papers

He was also a great-grandson of Massachusetts governor Thomas Hutchinson of Boston Tea Party fame. In 1837-38 he visited the United States and Canada, where he made over a hundred sketches. In 1880, he helped organize and publish his great-grandfather's papers.[5]

Museum exhibits

A display devoted to Hutchinson, including many of his personal items, can be seen at Sidmouth Museum.

References

  1. "East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Hutchinson's Pictures". www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  2. "In the Footsteps of Peter Orlando Hutchinson". Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  3. "East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Hutchinson's Diaries". www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  4. Historic England. "The Old Chancel (1289171)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  5. Sheppard, Richard. "Notable Owners (continued) of Hemyock Castle, Devon". www.hemyockcastle.co.uk. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
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