Curiosities

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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Map of Ningbo Zhejiang China – Bellin after Thornton -1746

An original copper engraved map titled “Carte de l’Isle de Che-chan ou Isle de Chusan de la Province de Che-kiang avec les Costes et Isles voisines”. Engraved by J van Schley for Jaques Nicolas Bellin Cartographer to the French Navy. It was published in Paris in 1746 as part of Prevost’s History of Voyages. The underlying charting ahd been completed by the Englishman Thornton.

The great city of Ningbo near Shanghai is seen just off the map at the top named them Ning-po .. with a note that it is known by Europeans as Liampo. The Che Kian Province now known as Zhejiang.

The map is 32cm by 21 cm to the border of the printed image. Folds as original. In pretty good condition with nice colouring and a nice compass rose. Now a very busy harbour its interesting to see so many depth measurements marked.

Price $120.00 unframed

Interesting chart of the coastal area around Ningbo

$120.00

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Ghost Towns of Australia – George Farwell

Published by Rigby, Adelaide in 1965. Octavo, 247 pages with plates and map end papers. Minor ageing with relevant article glued in at end. A Very good copy.

Australia has its fair share of towns no longer up to their former glory … indeed many completely gone. That is the nature of pioneering existence whether mineral or agricultural or some other purpose.

Interesting images of once glorious places

$30.00

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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

Map of Ningbo Zhejiang China – Bellin after Thornton -1746

Ghost Towns of Australia – George Farwell

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