Dr Kissling as a diplomat

  Dr Kissling as a diplomat, Wales, 1929   This photograph shows Dr Kissling at the beach in Barmouth, North Wales in 1929 during his time as a German diplomat. He is standing outside a beach hut in front of a deck chair, squinting into the sun.   After the First World War Dr Kissling studied law and politics in Berlin and Köningsberg. He graduated in 1922 and joined the German diplomatic service.   He was posted to London in 1927 but left in 1931. Dr Kissling's documents suggest that he resigned to follow his academic interests. However, in later life Dr Kissling told his friends that he was forced to escape from the embassy after refusing to work for Adolf Hitler.   Whatever his reasons for leaving, Dr Kissling felt that it was unsafe for him to return to Germany after that point and he remained a vocal opponent of Adolf Hitler.   With thanks to David Lockwood and Ralph Coleman for providing information.   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.