Lot 327
Victorian sporting life - Kirby, H.G.M.
Rare Books, Manuscripts & Photographs
Auction: Rare Books, Manuscripts & Photographs | 09 May 2007
Description
A collection of 6 albums of watercolours and sketches by H.G.M. Kirby depicting "a history of his sporting life and friends", approx 260 watercolours and 30 drawings [pen & ink and pencil], to include 2 small folio albums relating to a moor in Forsinard rented by Kirby's friend Mr Fox from the Duke of Sutherland [approx 140 watercolours and 29 sketches, some captioned], ink notes in one volume include the circumstances of Kirby's death at the lodge in September 1912, a few hours after shooting a stag, his funeral and how the albums had been retained by Mr. Fox at the Army and Navy Club in Pall Mall until returning them to the Kirby family on his death, the remining 4 albums [2 oblong 4to, 2 4to] are similar with notes on the pastedowns and captions with the illustrations, all albums half morocco gilt, restored (6)
Footnote
Note: These six albums are a fine insight into Victorian and Edwardian country life, covering a variety of subjects including Shetland loch fishing, deer stalking, fishing in Norway and golfing. A majority of the watercolours and sketches are set in the moors of Sutherland and at Bradwell Grove, Oxon, the estate of Kirby's friend W.H. Fox. However, some others focus on trips abroad, from Dinard in Brittany to Palestine and Egypt.
The house at Bradwell Grove still stands and is now the centre of a wildlife park. The shooting lodge in Sutherland has been modernised and is now rented out for sporting and walking holidays and is frequently used by stalkers.