Alexander Keiller (archaeologist)

Alexander Keiller
Born1 December 1889
Died1955(1955-00-00) (aged 65–66)
NationalityScottish
CitizenshipUnited Kingdom
Academic background
EducationHazelwood School
Eton College
Academic work
DisciplineArchaeology
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.

  1. ^ James Keiller and Son. Gracesguide.co.uk (16 February 2012). Retrieved on 30 May 2014.
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Darvill, Timothy (2008). Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology. Oxford University Press. pp. 532–. ISBN 978-0-19-157904-2.
  4. ^ "Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury". English Heritage. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
  5. ^ "Historical Manuscripts Commission - papers ... in the custody of the Alexander Keiller Museum". National Archives. Retrieved 18 March 2016.