Author Royston Ellis is auctioning off his collection of old maps and prints this Sunday. He has stuff from the 1700s on up, and some look amazing. The one I want is the British soldier caressing a native lass before he ditches her, but I dunno how far I’m going to get with two thousand rupees in disposable income. Some of the other maps and prints look pretty fascinating, but I’ll go to see.
The auction is being held at the YMBA Auditorium, 15 Dharmarama Road, Wellawatte, on Sunday 20th November 2011 [from 10am]. (www.sandslanka.com).
I emailed him and he sent me an item list. I’ve included ones that I think are especially boss.
DELAMARCHE (Map 1838) A fascinating and utterly rare black and white map with some outline shading in hand showing five maps of the ancient world at different times, including one 170 years after Jesus Christ showing “Taprobane ou Salice.” Much detail and of great interest. (12”x17”) Teak frame.
(1883) From the Shore – A Sketch of Colombo Harbour Ceylon. A superbly well-defined print from The Graphic 24 February 1883 (18”x13”) with centre fold, black & white, excellent condition, of a passenger being hoisted from a ship into a boat. Very rare. Unframed.
(1876) Prince Of Wales in Ceylon, two scenes on one page: people attending the Prince’s reception; the Prince on the footboard of a steam train. Wood engraving print, 8 January 1876 (12” x 9”) from The Graphic, an illustrated weekly newspaper. Note: printing on reverse. Unframed.
(1893) A Ride in a Ceylonese Tricycle. 10 black and white vignettes showing the first three wheeler (a wooden cart) in Ceylon being pushed and then running out of control and overturning. With captions. From The Graphic, 11 November 1893. Very rare. (15” x 11”). Teak frame.
Preeety cool.
The auction starts at 10 am this Sunday. If you’re wondering where it is, go down Duplication Road all the way to the end turn right, and go down the road. That’s the road, the auction place should be on the right side. From Galle Road, it’s the first left turn before Savoy [all directions are for heading out of Colombo]. Here’s a map. If you come please don’t bid on the letchy soldier unless I cross my arms and nod.
Hey
Do you know what time this is going to start at? The usual 09:30?
Could you post the complete items list? Thanks.
Here’s a Google Doc with the complete items list.
‘DELAMARCHE (Map 1838) A fascinating and utterly rare black and white map with some outline shading in hand showing five maps of the ancient world at different times, including one 170 years after Jesus Christ showing “Taprobane ou Salice.” Much detail and of great interest. (12”x17”) Teak frame.’
I so want that.