Curiosities

Amusing Manuscript Letter – William Anderson – Author of The Green Man

A nice and amusing term of phrase in a clear hand ….

“My address will explain why you have had to wait so long for the return of the copy of my book The Green Man. I have signed the book for your friends but not with the full inscription they requested. This is not to be curmudgeonly but I do not understand what is meant by the expression “in ancient sunlight”. Also there is no sign of sunlight here, ancient or modern: there are high waves on the lake and the mountains are sheeted in cloud … I will keep the English stamps for use when I return to England.”

Curmudgeon doubtful but careful with his words

$30.00

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The Proud Admiral – 19th Century Oil on Board

A good sized oil painting 60cm by 47cm for the artwork.

A traditional 19th Century Naval pose of an Admiral, likely French, resting on his eye glass looking rather vaguely out at sea. Wearing his full naval regalia.

Painted on board, artist unknown. The oils showing a lot of craquelure. Mounted in a simple gilt frame.

Admiral contemplating his achievemenets!

$590.00

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Sinfonia Antartica – Vaughan Williams – London Philharmonic- 1970 Recording

In 1947 Vaughan William’s was invited to compose music for the Ealing Studios film “Scott of the Antarctic”. He was gripped by the subject and by 1949 was reshaping the themes into a Symphony.

It was first performed in Manchester in 1953. This superb vinyl recording by the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Adrian Boult in 1970.

Each movement has a literary superscription. In some early recordings these were read out (once by Geilgud) although it is clear that Vaughan Williams intended them to be read silently by the listener, especially as he instructed that the third movement should flow continuously into the fourth for dramatic effect.

The words to the Epilogue come from Scott’s Last Journal … “I do not regret this journey; we took risks, we knew we took them, things have come out against us, therefore we have no cause for complaint”

Antartica is a deliberate spelling.

Vaughan Williams provides … a gigantic reflection on man’s isolation and ultimate vulnerability within the extreme untamed wilderness.

$40.00

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Antarctica – Evangelos Papathanassiou – Scarce Vinyl Pressing 1983

Fine copy of the soundtrack by “Vangelis” to Koreyoshi Kurahara’s 1983 film about the 1958 ill-fated Japanese scientific expedition to the South Pole, and the dramatic rescue from impossible weather conditions on their return journey. It’s as much about the survival of some of the dogs initially left behind as the people. Vangelis was invited to produce his dramatic electronic music score after the worldwide success of Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner.

The film was not that successful overseas, whilst being the Japanese sponsored entry it was not accepted in the foreign language section of the Academy Awards. Back home in Japan the beautiful huskies managed to get the film a Popularity Award.

Vangelis on the other hand shows his usual innovation and brilliance. Rare Japanese pressing. Perfect Condition.

Best listened to with the aircon very low

$40.00

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Scott of the Antarctic – Royal Doulton

A miniature jug by Royal Doulton, from their Explorers Series. Scott of the Antarctic in fine condition no marks or chips. Tiny in size .. around 6cm by 4cm. Designed by Stanley Taylor and issued as limited number of 2,000 in 1997.

Scott remembered albeit in a small way

$30.00

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Zebra – George Edwards – 1744

An original hand coloured copper engraving of a Zebra by the great George Edwards (1694-1773). Described as … “Drawn from a stuff’d skin in the Royal College of Physicians, London”

A rare and collectable engraving.

George Edwards (1694-1773) was born in Essex, and after schooling went to London where he had access to a large scientific library. At the age of 20 he decided to travel studying natural history and he did this for quite a few years and developed a great a talent for illustration. In 1733 he settled down and was chosen as the Librarian to the Royal College of Physicians. He knew Linnaeus and Catesby (who produced a great work on American birds). Edwards work is dominated by birds which he became particularly famous for.

This Zebra was published as part of a broader work on Natural History in 1744 and as we can surmise arose specifically from his role at the Royal College of Physicians.

Framed in Voyager Natural History style in cream mat with black core and soft (reddish) gilt frame … beautiful ready to hang.

Very early image from distinguished engraver.

$290.00

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Amusing Manuscript Letter – William Anderson – Author of The Green Man

The Proud Admiral – 19th Century Oil on Board

Sinfonia Antartica – Vaughan Williams – London Philharmonic- 1970 Recording

Antarctica – Evangelos Papathanassiou – Scarce Vinyl Pressing 1983

Scott of the Antarctic – Royal Doulton

Zebra – George Edwards – 1744

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