Painter Discovers 122-Year-Old Message in Tasmanian Lighthouse Wall

A 122-year-old message in a bottle was discovered within a wall cavity of the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse in Tasmania during routine conservation work by a specialist painter. The sealed glass bottle, protected by a cork coated in bitumen, contained an envelope with a letter dated January 29, 1903, written by J.R. Meech, the inspector of lighthouses for the Hobart Marine Board. The letter detailed upgrades made to the lighthouse that year, including the installation of a new staircase, floor, lantern room, and lens system, and also listed the contributors to the project and the associated costs. Conservationists at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery carefully extracted the delicate document, which was remarkably well-preserved despite its age and challenging extraction process. The discovery sheds new light on the history of the Cape Bruny Lighthouse and the people involved in its maintenance, with plans underway to further conserve and eventually display the letter for the public. This find is considered one of the most significant lighthouse-related discoveries in recent years, enriching the maritime heritage of Tasmania.