Details
Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912)
Alan TABOR (illuminator). A vellum leaf (visible area: 39 x 24.7cm.) with the address from the "CITY OF MANCHESTER TO CAPTAIN ROBERT F. SCOTT, R.N., C.V.O., F.R.G.S. BRITISH ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION 1910", dated "28th April 1910" and signed by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, written in a roman book-hand on ruled gold lines with one-line capitals of red, green line fillers and two-or three-line illuminated capitals of red or black against contrasting grounds, within full-page borders of arts- and-crafts style in rich colours including red roses, the arms of the City of Manchester, and a vignette of the City personified bidding farewell to the departing ship, contemporary window-mount and gilt gesso frame.
Provenance: Robert Falcon Scott; by descent.
The address commemorates Manchester's contribution of 2000 guineas towards the funding of Scott's expedition, raised from "Subscribers resident in Manchester and the surrounding district". Scott had estimated the costs of the expedition to be in the region of 40,000. He and 'Teddy' Evans were the two main fund raisers, and with little initial official backing, were forced to tour Britain in a determined effort to raise money. The present address recalls what was a major boost to the finances of the expedition, and must have been influential in persuading the government to grant 25,000 towards the costs.
The wording of the address gives an insight into the acknowledged objectives of the expedition: "If it is possible to succeed we feel assured that you will be the one to reach the goal and plant the British Flag at the Antarctic Pole; but should adverse circumstances block the way we anticipate with confidence, a rich harvest of scientific results, which you and your brave companions cannot fail to bring back".
Alan TABOR (illuminator). A vellum leaf (visible area: 39 x 24.7cm.) with the address from the "CITY OF MANCHESTER TO CAPTAIN ROBERT F. SCOTT, R.N., C.V.O., F.R.G.S. BRITISH ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION 1910", dated "28th April 1910" and signed by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, written in a roman book-hand on ruled gold lines with one-line capitals of red, green line fillers and two-or three-line illuminated capitals of red or black against contrasting grounds, within full-page borders of arts- and-crafts style in rich colours including red roses, the arms of the City of Manchester, and a vignette of the City personified bidding farewell to the departing ship, contemporary window-mount and gilt gesso frame.
Provenance: Robert Falcon Scott; by descent.
The address commemorates Manchester's contribution of 2000 guineas towards the funding of Scott's expedition, raised from "Subscribers resident in Manchester and the surrounding district". Scott had estimated the costs of the expedition to be in the region of 40,000. He and 'Teddy' Evans were the two main fund raisers, and with little initial official backing, were forced to tour Britain in a determined effort to raise money. The present address recalls what was a major boost to the finances of the expedition, and must have been influential in persuading the government to grant 25,000 towards the costs.
The wording of the address gives an insight into the acknowledged objectives of the expedition: "If it is possible to succeed we feel assured that you will be the one to reach the goal and plant the British Flag at the Antarctic Pole; but should adverse circumstances block the way we anticipate with confidence, a rich harvest of scientific results, which you and your brave companions cannot fail to bring back".