Arctic Exploration

28 glass slides (visible image approximately 75 x 75mm.), including 19 HAND-PAINTED WATERCOLOURS, and 7 hand-tinted, each mounted within a wooden frame (average 100 x 175 x 10mm.), each with a manuscript ink label and numbered 1-28, housed in a fitted wooden box

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

A FINE SET. Many of the slides relate to the British Arctic Expedition of 1875-76, led by Sir George Strong Nares, with the ships HMS Alert and HMS Discovery, which were sent by the British Admiralty to attempt to reach the North Pole via Smith Sound. Two of the slides are from a set called 'Captain Markham’s Whaling Cruise' issued by Low, Marston and Co., and four others are from a set called 'Arctic Expeditions.'

The slides depict: Chart of the Arctic regions; Sir John Franklin; Franklin's winter quarters; Ships wintering in the Arctic regions; The Franklin record; Funeral of Captain Hall; Port Leopold; 'Arctic' and 'Ravenscraig' off Cape Crawford; Godhaven harbour, Disco Island; Eskimo snow huts; In Smith's Sound; 'Alert' leading through icebergs; 'Alert' going through narrow opening in ice; Winter quarters of the 'Discovery'; The crow's nest; Sledge party; Bear fight; Arctic foxes; Sledges sent out from the 'Alert'; Funeral of Hans Christian Petersen [d.1876]; Cutting a way through the ice; 'Alert' nipped off Cape Beechy; Grotesque icebergs; Iceberg before falling; Iceberg falling on a ship; Sunrise in the Arctic regions; Moonrise in the Arctic regions; Returning home.