The British used to move to Mount Troodos for the summer months to avoid the heat of the plains. Both administration and military camped under the pine trees near the highest peak of Olympus.
Eight sketches commemorate this life in the camps of Troodos, including representations of the Roman Catholic chapel tent and the priest’s tent. The camp of the Royal Engineers of the 20th Regiment and the tents of the Post Office and Post Master, as well as the Photographer’s Studio, are exhibited. Life in the camp included entertainment provided by the band of Royal Engineers, seen in sketch 8, and most interestingly, by theatre productions. A theatre tent is surmounted by the emblem of a sphinx with ‘Egypt’ written under it. Nine actors, all members of the Regiment, participate in a play dressed as men and women. All sketches include the characteristic trees of Troodos with their branches leaning towards the ground.
PNT-00235 > Unknown, Summer Encampment of the British Government of Cyprus on Mount Troodos (Olympus), Engraving (coloured), 34x22cm, 1879
