A half-length photogravure portrait of Captain Oates, with two autograph letters from Terra Nova Expedition members Edward L. Atkinson to Francis Davies.

£4,500 · Offered by Maggs Bros Ltd

A stately photogravure print after a portrait of Captain Lawrence Oates (1880-1912), originally taken in Cairo in around 1907 by G. Lekegian Co. He wears his Inniskilling Dragoon cavalry undress frock coat with epaulettes. The same image was reproduced by Emory Walker in the memorial booklet printed to commemorate Oates’ life, however the present impression is significantly enlarged with far clearer definition than the Walker reproduction. The accompanying letters offer a touching provenance, relating to two bereft members of the Terra Nova crew. Edward L. Atkinson, the Royal Naval surgeon and de-facto leader of the Cape Evans party in Scott’s absence, writes to ship’s carpenter Francis “Chippie” Davies: “22nd December 1913 Dear Chippie, […] I am having some enlargements done of a portrait I have got of Capt Oates and if you would like that I will send you one and you must accept it for Xmas and the New Year. […] Mind you let us know when you are coming up to town. I am likely going to China Japan, Formosa and Korea in February on a medical expedition for the Navy. […] Yous ever E.L. Atkinson.“ and: “3rd Feb 1914 Dear Chippie, I am sending you today an enlarged photo of Captain Oates and I think you will be pleased with it. Thank you very much for the piece of the Terra Nova you have sent up. […] Mind you write from time to time and if we are ever at the same depôt we must get together. Do you remember your opinion of the blubber stoves. Yours ever E.L. Atkinson“. In the cent

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