Edward Adrian Wilson Sold at Auction Prices

EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (BRITISH 1872-1912), TWO VIEWS OF DAVOS (2)

EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (BRITISH 1872-1912)TWO VIEWS OF DAVOS, SWITZERLAND (1899)PencilOne inscribed and dated 'Flüela Pass. Davos. 1899' (lower left), the other inscribed 'Davos. Platz. Tinzenhorn. '99' (lower right)18.3 x 23.6cm (7 x 9¼ in.) (2)UnframedProvenance:By descent from the artist until soldSale, Christie's, The Polar Sale, 25 September 2001, lot 143 (part lot), where bought by the present ownerThe Flüela Pass is the high mountain pass which connects Davos to the Engadin Valley. Wilson was sent to Davos to help his recovery from TB in October 1898 and remained in the Alps until the following May. Initially he was not allowed to do much, but the sanitorium relented and Wilson was able to wander and paint freely. It was whilst he was in Davos, concentrating on improving his artistic skills, that he began to sophisticate the colour memorisation technique that he had conceived whilst at Cambridge. He would sketch rapidly in pencil, make colour notes and then on his return to his room, he would precisely recall the colours of a subject, whether animal or landscape. This technique was to prove invaluable on his later Antarctic expeditions.

Wilson (Edward Adrian, 1872-1912). Young Emperor Penguin Chick

Wilson (Edward Adrian, 1872-1912). Young Emperor Penguin Chick * Wilson (Edward Adrian, 1872-1912). Young Emperor Penguin Chick, original pen & ink study, signed below image and captioned in manuscript at foot 'Young Emperor Penguin Chick, kept alive 3 months on the ship', pin holes to corners, verso with number '10' in blue pencil and '2in wide' and number '722' in pencil, image approximately 6.2 x 7.8 cm, sheet size 12.7 x 15.1 cm QTY: (1) NOTE: Provenance: From the Collection of Robert Gilmor (1936-2022). Edward Wilson, an assistant surgeon on the Discovery expedition that set sail for Antarctica in 1901, developed a particular interest in emperor penguins when he discovered the first-known breeding colony, on sea ice under the cliffs of Cape Crozier, on Ross Island.

Wilson (Edward Adrian, 1872-1912). Adelie Penguin and Chick

Wilson (Edward Adrian, 1872-1912). Adelie Penguin and Chick * Wilson (Edward Adrian, 1872-1912). Adelie Penguin and Chick, original pen & ink study, signed at foot, pin holes to corners, verso with number '11' in blue pencil and '2 1/2 wide' and number '722' in pencil, image approximately 7.2 x 7.5 cm, sheet size 10.7 x 8.5 cm QTY: (1) NOTE: Provenance: From the Collection of Robert Gilmor (1936-2022).

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) 'The South Polar Times, 1902-3 'Discovery'' (paper watermarked 'Royal Nonpareil Wove')

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) 'The South Polar Times, 1902-3 'Discovery'' signed in pencil 'E.A.Wilson' (lower right) watercolour and pencil 24.2 x 19.1cm (9 1/2 x 7 1/2in). paper watermarked 'Royal Nonpareil Wove' For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) A red kite on a perch

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) A red kite on a perch signed 'Ted Wilson' and dated '1895' (lower centre) watercolour 25 x 10cm (9 13/16 x 3 15/16in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) 'The Slopes of Ferrar & Pram Point - from Crater Hill', Antarctica

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) 'The Slopes of Ferrar & Pram Point - from Crater Hill', Antarctica inscribed as titled and further inscribed and dated 'Midday - aug. 15.'02.' (on sheet verso) watercolour 19 x 28.5cm (7 1/2 x 11 1/4in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website

"Discovery" Expedition, Farthest South ever reached, Dec. 29, 1902

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912) "Discovery" Expedition, Farthest South ever reached, Dec. 29, 1902 signed and dated 'Edward A. Wilson - 1905' (lower left), inscribed 'No 267/274' on the reverse of the card mount watercolour on paper laid down on card 7 ½ x 10 ¾in. (19.1 x 27.3cm.)

Slopes of Mount Erebus

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912) Slopes of Mount Erebus signed 'E.A. Wilson' (lower left), inscribed 'No. 270/272' on the reverse of the card mount. There was an inscription on a label on the reverse ('Antarctic sketch by / Dr.E.A.Wilson of / Capt.Scott's Expedition. / Presented to F.A.A. by Mrs Mudie-Cooke in 1935.') when sold at Christie's in 2002. watercolour on paper laid down on card unframed 5 ¼ x 8 ½in. (13.3 x 21.6cm.)

DR EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (1872-1912) 'Near Hut

DR EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (1872-1912) 'Near Hut Point Antarctica'', watercolour, 13.5 x 21cm Dr Wilson, famous for accompanying Captain Scott on his expeditions to the South Pole

Edward Adrian Wilson/McMurdo Sound/ inscribed

Edward Adrian Wilson/McMurdo Sound/ inscribed Inaccessible Island and Bergs, McMurdo Sound /watercolour, 13cm x 20.5cm (5.25'' x 8.25'')Note: believed to have been painted in August 1911, during Scott's fateful Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole /Literature: ''Edward Wilson's Antarctic Notebooks'', see page 150 for similar image/We thank Dr D M Wilson for his help in cataloguing this watercolour which, if permission is given by the purchaser, will be included in his forthcoming book of Terra Nova illustrations /see illustration

WILSON (EDWARD ADRIAN)

British Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913. Exhibition of Antarctic Sketches and Water Colours, Drawings of Swiss & Norwegian Scenery, Studies of Birds, etc... at the Municipal Art Gallery, Cheltentham, listing upwards of 250 items, publisher's printed wrappers, 8vo, Cheltenham, Geo. F. Poole, 1914

WILSON (EDWARD ADRIAN)

An Antarctic vista with two figures in the distance, watercolour and pencil on paper, framed and glazed, image to view 365 x 260mm., [1911?]

WILSON (EDWARD ADRIAN)

An Antarctic mountain scene at sunset, watercolour on paper, signed in ink in bottom right corner, framed and glazed, image to view 140 x 225mm., [1911?]

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912) Mt. Erebus - Aug. 31. 1903. signed with initials 'E.A.W.' (lower right), inscribed as titled (lower centre), and further inscribed 'From the floe in McMurdo Strt on the way to Tortoise rock, shows the group of small columns drawn elsewhere in profile from the South, and also an unusual vent on the left from the lower edge of the tip.' (upper centre) pencil on paper watermarked three lions nonpareil wove 7¾ x 10in. (19.6 x 25.4cm.) together with six collotypes of Wilson's Antarctic subjects (7)

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912) The Emperor Penguin Rookery, Cape Crozier signed 'E A Wilson' (lower left) watercolour on paper 10 x 15in. (25.4 x 38.1cm.)

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912) False Bay. South Africa. Oct. 1901. signed with initials 'E.A.W.', inscribed and dated as titled, with ownership inscription by Wilson's father 'Dr E.J. Wilson Westal Cheltenham' on the reverse of the mount watercolour on paper, shaped bottom corners unframed 4 x 8in. (21.1 x 20.3cm.)

EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (1872-1912)

EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (1872-1912) Six autograph letters signed (one incomplete, lacking opening) to Charles Seymour Wright, 19 Holland Street, Kensington, 31 January - 1 May 1910 and n.d., together approx 23 pages, 4to, one on B.A.E. paper, one letter including a sketch of a packing case. Preparations for the scientific department of Scott's Last Expedition. Wilson, as chief of the scientific staff, writes in a long letter of 2 April 1910 to coordinate purchasing of equipment: he will organise most of it with expedition biologist E.W. Nelson, but Wright is to order the hydrographic equipment himself, always remembering that 'Every order must go through the office' for Scott's signature; Wright is also to bear in mind before planning the involvement of other scientists in analysing sea water samples that any results are to be held back for the official expedition reports -- 'There is to be no publication without Capt. Scott's sanction'; any photographic requirements are to be organised via Ponting, who has assured Wilson that 'he will have enough cameras for every body's use'; Wilson also advises on the shape and dimensions of packing cases ('Every case for the Shore parties should be easily manageable by one man'), noting that Venesta cases are to be used if possible. On 15 April, precisely two months before the final departure from Cardiff, Wilson is in a fury of activity -- 'I have so much on hand that you must see yourself that I do not hinder your preparations -- we must get things ready'; as much gear as possible is to be loaded in London before the ship's departure from there on 1 June. Further letters concern books to be taken, and microscopes ('As yet I have had no list of your wants at all, but I know it must be particularly difficult for you') and the possiblity of a grant from a Canadian institution in return for collecting Antarctic geological samples. (6)

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912) Mount Erebus and Castle Rock watercolour on paper 5 1/8 x 8 1/8in. (13.1 x 20.7cm.)

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) 'The Crippetts' with a kestrel in the foreground

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) Mount Erebus, Ross Island, 28 April 1911

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) Items from the study of the Wilson's family home 'The Crippetts'

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) 'An Empire Penguin Rookery'

'An Empire Penguin Rookery' signed 'E.A. Wilson' (lower left) and inscribed 'An Emperor Penguin Rookery' (to mount) watercolour over pencil 20 x 13.5cm (7 7/8 x 5 5/16in).

EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (British, 1872-1912) 'Young

EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (British, 1872-1912) 'Young eagle owls, Horstad, Norway', titled and dated July 1899 in pencil to the right, pencil on paper, 9 1/4" x 7 1/2". Note: Shortly before qualifying as a doctor Wilson became seriously ill in February 1898, after contracting T.B. during mission work. During his convalescence he spent a number of months in Switzerland and Norway where he drew this picture; a time he used to develop his skills as an artist. Two years later he set off on his first Antarctic mission as a member of Robert F. Scott's Discovery expedition.

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) A collection of original pencil drawings,

A collection of original pencil drawings, fine preliminary sketches with annotated notes on colours, for working up into final watercolours: a three-part landscape numbered 1-3 from Crater Hill through Observatory Hill to Cape Armitage dated April.7.11, an unnamed rock formation and three sketchbook sheets dated Sept.13.11. Together with a watercolour pencil caricature of Wilson as a Penguin entitled "Our Bill" and a watercolour paint box by Ackermann & Co. believed to be the property of Dr Edward Wilson. (5)

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) Mount Erebus

Mount Erebus inscribed 'Mt Erebus' and dated 'Apr 28 11 (lower right) watercolour 28 x 38cm (11 x 14 15/16in).

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) The Crippets with a kestrel in the foreground

The Crippets with a kestrel in the foreground watercolour 23 x 33cm (9 1/16 x 13in).

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) A red kite on a perch

A red kite on a perch signed 'Ted Wilson' and dated '1895' (lower centre) watercolour 25 x 10cm (9 13/16 x 3 15/16in).

WILSON (EDWARD ADRIAN)

SCOTT (ROBERT FALCON) Autograph letter to Dr. Wilson snr. “I think there are few things in which I take such pride as in the confidence of your son…”, 4 pages, signature cut out, onboard RMS Saxon, 19 July, 1910; Autograph letter signed to Dr. Wilson snr. on British Antarctic Expedition stationary, pleased at Ted’s improved health “It is splendid to see him so brown and vigorous”, and that Ted was to go [by liner with Ory on RMS Corinthic] to Australia on a mission to the Federal Government “I’m afraid he would sooner remain in the Terra Nova but there’s work to be done in Australia which only he or I could do so he has sacrificed himself as usual”, 4 pages, [Simonstown], 28 September, 1910; SCOTT (KATHLEEN BRUCE) Autograph letter signed to Mrs. Wilson, congratulating her on Ted’s successful expedition to Cape Crozier [in 1911] and “I am so very glad too that he has gone on furthurest South with my husband”, with the postscript “He never fails – your Son”, 174, Buckingham Palace Road, 1912, 8vo

WILSON (EDWARD ADRIAN)

Collection of autograph letters addressed either to Ted Wilson’s father or mother, regarding their son: Doctor at Davos to Dr. Wilson, 5 pages on Ted’s health, 26 Mar. 1899; W.L. Sclater to Dr. Wilson, congratulating him on his selection for the National Antarctic Expedition and suggesting Ted should become F.Z.S., 26 Nov. 1900; Cyril Longhurst to Dr Wilson regarding Ted’s salary (a rise of £50 a year), on National Antarctic Expedition stationary, 4 January, 1904; Mrs. Reginald Smith (Isabel) to Mrs. Wilson, reporting the meeting of the British Association at Dundee where Clements Markham read a paper on Antarctic Exploration and that every mention of Ted was greeted with applause, Cortachy, Kirriemuir, 11 Sept. 1912; Raymond Priestley to Dr. Wilson on British Antarctic Expedition stationary, informing that he is sending to Wilson some geological specimens, that he brought home from Cape Royds, probably collected by Dr. Koettlitz in the Western Mountains, signature cut out, The Grammar School, Tewkesbury, 9 Sept. 1913; Edward R.G.R. Evans, thanking the Wilsons for their hospitality “I was so glad to stay at Poor Uncle Bill’s home”, Dean Park House, Edinburgh, 20 Nov. 1913; and 2 others, 22 pages, mostly 8vo,

WILSON (EDWARD ADRIAN)

Autograph letter, signed "Ted" to Ida Elinor Wilson (one of his younger sisters, b.1875), giving advice on the avoidance of anaemia and throwing light on his Christian belief and practice, 6 pages, with envelope inscribed by Ida Wilson "a most precious letter..." but allowing Seaver to use it if wanted, Loscambe Lodge, Stanmore, 20 March 1900; autograph letter, signed "Ted" to Ida, thanking her for flowers sent from Rigi, describing his trip by sea from Le Havre to Trouville " My pride kept me from feeling squeamish even when a woman vomited down wind all over my face and cape. That was trying, but the waves that broke over the bows and soaked us, soon washed it off", 4 pages, in a later envelope inscribed by George Seaver, St. George's Hospital, Hyde Park Corner, 4 August, 1897; 2 pages of pencilled notes by Wilson on the health of various Grouse, one leaf, 1907 8vo

WILSON (EDWARD ADRIAN)

Family transcriptions of nine poems relating to the British Antarctic Expedition including his son Ted’s ‘The Barrier Silence’, as well as: ‘To Blossom’ (on the Ice Barrier - Blossom depot Jan I. 1912); ‘The House that Cherry Built’ (the igloo at Cape Crozier); ‘Our Ration’ (Sledging on the Barrier Jan 12. 1912); ‘The Tent (Antarctic Regions 1912)’; ‘Our Bill’ (on the return to Cape Evans from Cape Crozier, Midwinter 1911); ‘The Sleeping Bag’ (Ponting and Meares, Cape Evans 1911); Life in the Antarctic or The Protoplasine Cycle, 12 pages, all but the last 4to; Family transcriptions of key letters (some extracts) regarding their son Ted: Capt. Scott to Sir Clements Markham; Capt. Scott to Mrs. Wilson, 24 Nov. 1901 (2 copies); Capt. Scott to Ory, 1 Oct. 1911; Capt. Scott’s last letter to Mrs. Wilson; Wilson’s last letter to Ory; Kathleen Scott to Mrs. Wilson, 10 May [1912]; and several other related transcriptions and typed copies, in all 23 pages, one on Westal headed paper, mostly 8vo; 2 telegrams announcing Wilson success in his MB examinations at Cambridge in 1900, and another sent by Ory Wilson from Christchurch to Wilson’s parents at Westal, Cheltenham (small quantity) Estimate: £800 - 1,000 Place Bid or Track Lot Pre-register to bid in the auction saleroom on the day in person View all items in the Sale Contact the Specialist to discuss this lot or sale Email: Jon Baddeley Tel: +44 8700 273624 Contact the Specialist to discuss selling in a future sale Email: Jon Baddeley Tel: +44 8700 273624 To subscribe to or order a Printed Catalogue quote ref: 16919 Tel: +44 (0) 1666 502 200 Footnote: Wilson family keepsakes, together with three telegrams. The last of these, dated 3 April 1912 was sent to Wilson’s parents by his wife Ory who was waiting for him at Christchurch New Zealand. Based on reports from those who had returned to Cape Evans (whose news was three months old), it reported “Last news from the South Pole Plateau Ted absolutely fit exceedingly happy Ory”. Scott, Wilson and Bowers had, in fact, died two weeks earlier.

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) The Cape Barne glacier together with a watercolour by the same hand dated 'Jan 4. 1911' 'The Great Sea Barrier off Cape Crozier' (2)

The Cape Barne glacier inscribed and dated 'Aug. 17. 11' pencil together with a watercolour by the same hand dated 'Jan 4. 1911' 'The Great Sea Barrier off Cape Crozier' (2)

Dr Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912) A large iceberg

A large iceberg signed 'Edward A Wilson' (lower right) watercolour 13 x 22cm (5 1/8 x 8 11/16in).

EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (1872-1912)

EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (1872-1912) Autograph letter signed ('Ted Wilson') to Cyril Longhurst, secretary of the National Antarctic Expedition, Cape Town, 13 October 1901, four pages, 8vo; [with] a lithographic 'Programme', designed by Wilson, for the crossing of the line ceremonies, on a bifolium, 203 x 129mm. Optimism on the Discovery's outbound voyage: 'we are having a most excellent time, & are all as fit and well as can be', promising to send some sketches from New Zealand, referring to a photograph of himself ('I hope ... you are content with such an ungainly fathead') and asking Longhurst to pass on any news he hears of the expedition to Wilson's wife. 'I think we are extraordinarily lucky in our mess here, not a soul has fallen out, and the day is full of humbug and nonsense ... a better head for us than Captain Scott was surely never born'. (2)

The sledge party to White Island, February 1902: Shackleton, Wilson and Ferrar preparing to set out; Shackleton and Wilson making camp

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912) The sledge party to White Island, February 1902: Shackleton, Wilson and Ferrar preparing to set out; Shackleton and Wilson making camp watercolour on paper 3 x 4¾in. (7.6 x 12.1cm.) (2)

Rocky Islets and Slopes of Erebus, McMurdo Strait, 25 April 1903

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912) Rocky Islets and Slopes of Erebus, McMurdo Strait, 25 April 1903 titled and dated 'Rocky Islets + Slopes of Erebus McMurdo Strait April. 25. '03.' on the reverse pencil and watercolour on paper 7 3/8 x 11 1/8in. (18.9 x 28.2cm.)

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Mountain range, McMurdo Strait signed 'E A Wilson' (lower left) watercolour on paper 2 7/8 x 4 1/2 in. (7.4 x 11.3cm.)

Edward Adrian Wilson (British, 1872-1912)

Nunatak of rock, near the Table Ranges signed 'E A Wilson', inscribed and dated 'Jan 19 1902' pen and ink 14.5 x 18.4 cm. (5 3/4 x 7 1/4 in.)

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

The last sight of Mount Discovery: SS. "Morning" & "Terra Nova" following the "Discovery" out of McMurdo Strait, Feb.19.04 Midnight inscribed as title on a sheet attached to the mount watercolour on paper 43/4 x 8 1/8in. (12.1 x 20.6cm.) PROVENANCE Mrs B.H. Oldridge, Sandpits, Dursley, Gloucestershire (labels on the backing board). NOTES 'And so that night [19 February 1904], running swiftly through the water with a howling gale behind, we saw the last of the McMurdo Sound. It was a fine scene, for although the wind blew with great force, the sky was comparatively clear. Away to the south-west behind the ragged storm clouds could be seen the deep red of the setting sun, against which there stood in sharp outline the dark forms of the western mountains and the familiar cone of Mount Discovery. On our right in a gloomy threatening sky rose the lofty snow-clad slopes of Erebus and the high domed summit of Cape Bird. For the last time we gazed at all these well-known landmarks with feelings that were not far removed from sadness...' (R.F. Scott, The Voyage of the 'Discovery', London: 1907, II, pp.274-5).

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

'The Camp at the South Pole' [18 January 1912] titled and lettered 'D' on the Fine Art Society label on the reverse gelatin silver print 121/4 x 161/4in. (31.1 x 41.2 cm.) One of the supplementary photographs offered in Ponting's exhibition at the Fine Art Society in 1913: 'it was felt that a selection of the photographs taken... at the South Pole must be included, as they are without doubt the most tragically interesting in existence. The films from which they are made were brought back by Captain Scott, as evidence of what he had found and accomplished, to the final camp where he and his two surviving comrades died, and they lay beside the dead body of the leader for eight months before they were found. They were developed a month later in the hut at Cape Evans' (The Fine Art Society, The British Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913, Exhibition of the photographic Pictures of... Ponting [1913], pp.23-4.

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Mount Erebus inscribed and dated 'M t Erebus/Aug. 17. 1911. Noon.' on the mount watercolour, unframed 51/4 x 8 3/8in. (13.1 x 21.1cm.) PROVENANCE: By descent from the artist to the present owner. ' Thursday, August 17. -- The weather has been extremely kind to us of late; we haven't a single grumble against it. The temperature hovers pretty constantly at about -35o, there is very little wind and the sky is clear and bright. In such weather one sees well for more than three hours before and after noon, the landscape unfolds itself, and the sky colours are always delicate and beautiful. At noon today there was bright sunlight on the tops of the Western Peaks and on the summit and steam of Erebus -- of late the vapour cloud of Erebus has been exceptionally heavy and fantastic in form.' L. Huxley (ed.), Scott's Last Expedition, London: 1914, I, p.382.

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Discovery at Hut Point watercolour 51/2 x 81/2in. (13.9 x 21.6cm.).

EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (1872-1912)

British Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913 Exhibition of the Antarctic Sketches and Water Colours Drawings of Swiss & Norwegian Scenery Studies of Birds, etc. by Dr. Edward A.Wilson at The Alpine Club Gallery Mill Street, Conduit Street, W. London: printed by Wm. Clowes & Sons, Ltd., 1913. 8o (216 x 138mm.). Half-tone portrait after Herbert Ponting. PROVENANCE: Inscription of verso of title 'Wil. 13.11.30 -/6' A very fine copy of this rare exhibition catalogue and primary reference work. The exhibition included 268 pictures (none of which were for sale), 2 sketch books, a set of the South Polar Times and two photographs of Wilson at work.

HENRY ROBERTSON 'BIRDIE' BOWERS (1883-1912), EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (1872-1912) AND OTHERS

AT THE SOUTH POLE six carbon prints, 12 x 15in. (30.5 x 38.2cm.) and similar, mounted on card, titled in ink as above, and lettered A-F respectively on the Fine Art Society labels on the reverse of the mounts. Original card mounts (mounts spotted and with occasional marginal tears). All unbound as issued, within original green and oatmeal cloth portfolio, lettered in brown on upper cover 'THE BRITISH ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION 1910-1913 AT THE SOUTH POLE PUBLISHED BY THE FINE ART SOCIETY 148 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON' (soiled, joints worn, corners rubbed) 'It was felt that a selection of the photographs taken by Lieutenant Bowers at the South Pole must be included, for they are without doubt the most tragically interesting in existance. The films from which they are made were brought back by Captain Scott, as evidence of what he had found and accomplished, to the final camp where he and his two surviving comrades died, and they lay beside the dead body of the leader for eight months before they were found. They were developed a month later in the hut at Cape Evans... This historic picture [illustrated left], showing Captain Scott and his four comrades at the Pole, was... taken by Lieutenant Bowers, who obtained the photograph by means of a string attached to the camera. He is seen in the act of pulling... The flags are light silk sledging flags which each member of the Expedition carried, and which bore a crest or some individual device' (The Fine Art Society, The British Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913, Exhibition of Photographic Pictures of... Ponting [1913], pp.23-4). (6).

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Sunset, 7p.m., March.30.11, Hut Point, ski slope inscribed 'Sunset 7pm. March.30.11. Hut Point. Ski slope' on the mount watercolour on paper 51/4 x 81/4in. (13.3 x 20.9cm.) NOTES Wilson's diary entry for the day reads 'Out sketching afternoon fiery orange sunset...' (E.A. Wilson, Diary of the 'Terra Nova' Expedition.., New York: 1982, p.119).

EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (1872-1912)

Autograph letter signed ('Yours ever, Bill') to Charles Royds ('My dear old Charlie boy'), Winter Quarters, Cape Evans, 8 January 1911, on paper with embossed British Antarctic Expedition vignette stamp, four pages, 8vo, on a bifolium; autograph envelope. Evans writes to an old Discovery expedition comrade with a survey of the prospects for Scott's last expedition. Evans is relentlessly positive: 'We have had some real good luck', the party is 'a splendid lot, genuinely keen on the main show & most unselfish. Our hut is most comfortable'; he reports on plans for dep“t laying - 'I shall be once more tent mate with Scott -- who is now always known as "the Owner"' -- and on his intentions for July for 'a night trip to Cape Crozier round the South side of the island to catch the Emperors laying eggs', before 'in October we start for the Pole -- and return, with it, I hope before the ship leaves in March 1912', adding that it is an 'open question' whether they will return then: 'I hope the Owner will go home in April 1912 -- then I shall return with him. If however he stops for another year, I shall also stop with him', ending with a rider that 'these are not public facts, so use them with discretion', and comments on his own wellbeing. A fine letter, full of the optimism of unfulfilled hopes: the Cape Crozier trip was to turn into the nightmare journey described by Cherry Garrard as 'the worst journey in the world'; and March 1912 was to bring only Evans' and Scott's deaths. The remainder of the expedition did stay on until early in 1913, when they discovered the fate of the Polar party. Charles W. Rawson Royds was First Lieutenant and meteorologist on the Discovery expedition: he and Wilson were close friends on the expedition; their duets were a highlight of the ship's concerts during the polar winter; Royds had accompanied Wilson on his first journey to the Emperor Penguin rookeries at Cape Crozier in September 1903.

EDWARD ADRIAN WILSON (1872-1912)

Four autograph letters signed ('E.A. Wilson') to Sir Archibald Geikie, Madeira (2), Cape Town and Christchurch, 23 June - 27 November 1910, on paper with embossed British Antarctic Expedition vignette stamp, together 14 pages, 4to and 8vo. [ With :] A studio portrait photograph of Wilson by G.P. Woodward of Cheltenham. Gelatin silver print (142 x 102mm.), mounted on card with photographer's gilt credit stamp, inscribed 'Edward Adrian Wilson BA. MB Cantab Head of the Scientific Staff National Antarctic Expedition 1910-12'. Provenance : Edward Thomas Wilson (father of the sitter, inscription) -- F.G. Wilson (aunt of the sitter) -- Mrs Pye Smith. [ And :] Autograph letter signed by F.G. Wilson to Mrs Pye Smith, 22 December 1913, accompanying the portrait photograph, 'his father wrote the name underneath & this is the one we all like best'. [ Together with :] a printed programme for the unveiling of the Wilson Memorial in Cheltenham, 9 July 1914. The first of Wilson's letters to Geikie apologises for not having had time to say goodbye, as gaining practical experience of whaling in the Shetland Islands has taken more time than expected -- 'We are now however fully equipped for whaling, & I hope to bring home two or three new & undescribed species which I know to live in the antarctic waters' -- giving an unpeat appraisal of the expedition members: 'I don't think we could have hit on a nicer lot of Naval officers -- all as keen as possible to help in the Scientific work... The Scientific staff... are an excellent lot', asking for copies of the Discovery's Antarctic Album to be sent out for use as gifts in New Zealand. The second letter, written as they are about to set sail, asks for another copy of the album for the navigating lieutenant [Pennell]. The third letter thanks Geikie for the albums; 'Our voyage has been one of the pleasantest experiences I have met with... Captain Scott has taken my place on the "Terra Nova" from here to Melbourne... Scott's object in the change was to get to know his people on the "Terra Nova", while I reach Melbourne before he does, & choose another Geologist there, probably Priestley'. The final letter reports 'how exceedingly successful and satisfactory all the preliminary arrangements have been... The horses and the dogs are all in first rate condition', and reporting plans for departure; the only blow was in 'finding that J. Allan Thomson... who was to have accompanied us as one of our three Geologists, was suffering from phthisis [i.e. pulmonary tuberculosis]'; ending 'I hope when I next write it will be to say that we have made good use of our staff and opportunities'. A fine series of letters, written from the various ports of call en route to the Antarctic, from the chief scientist on the expedition to perhaps the most famous British scientific name of the time. Sir Archibald Geikie (1835-1924), the noted geologist, was from 1908-1912 president of the Royal Society. The Society was one of the main sponsors of the expedition, and Geikie a great supporter of its scientific aims. (7).

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

"Discovery" Expedition, Farthest South ever reached, Dec.29, 1902 signed and dated 'Edward A.Wilson - 1905' (lower left) watercolour 71/2 x 103/4in. (19.1 x 27.3cm.).