- 84
Bradford, William.
Description
- The Arctic Regions illustrated with photographs taken on an art expedition to Greenland. London: The Chiswick Press for Sampson Low, Marston, Low and Searle, 1873
Literature
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Rare. A magnificent work of design and craftsmanship, the greatest of all illustrated books on the arctic and one of the nineteenth century's most spectacular photographically illustrated travel books.
In 1869 William Bradford, a New England marine and polar artist, chartered the steam ship The Panther, having secured the sponsorship of a wealthy patron Le Grand Lockwood. The aim was to venture as far north as ice would permit, deep into Melville Bay in Greenland, primarily to make sketches and also to explore the region. The photographers John L. Dunmore and George Critcherson from Boston, who had travelled with Bradford before, were hired and the noted Arctic explorer Dr Isaac Hayes joined the party. The three month summer trip was a great success; Bradford produced a large number of sketches and Dunmore and Critcherson exposed up to four hundred glass plates under extreme conditions. In 1871 and 1872 Bradford exhibited paintings and sketches in England to great acclaim and attracted the patronage of Queen Victoria. This prompted Bradford to conceive of an album of photographs and when Queen Victoria and other members of the Royal family added their names as subscribers (at a cost of 25 guineas), the 'album' was transformed into a lavish publication, requiring the capital of several publishers. Three hundred copies were proposed, although it is not known how many were finally published.