Alexander Keiller | |
---|---|
Born | 1 December 1889 |
Died | 1955 | (aged 65–66)
Nationality | Scottish |
Citizenship | United Kingdom |
Academic background | |
Education | Hazelwood School Eton College |
Academic work | |
Discipline | Archaeology |
Sub-discipline |
Alexander Keiller FSA, FGS (1 December 1889 – 29 October 1955) was a Scottish archaeologist, pioneering aerial photographer, businessman and philanthropist. He worked on an extensive prehistoric site at Avebury in Wiltshire, England, and helped ensure its preservation.
Keiller was heir to the marmalade business of his family, James Keiller & Son that had been established in 1797[1] in Dundee, and exported marmalade and confectionery across the British Empire. He used his wealth to acquire a total of 950 acres (3.8 km2) of land in Avebury for preservation, where he conducted excavations and re-erected some standing stones. He also pioneered aerial photography for archaeological interpretation.[2]
At Avebury, Keiller founded the Morven Institute of Archeological Research,[3] now the Alexander Keiller Museum.[4][5] In 1943 he sold the land at Avebury to the National Trust for its agricultural value only.[2]
His fourth wife, Gabrielle Keiller, was also an archaeological photographer, whom he met in connection with Avebury.
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