10th May, 2016 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Courageous')
183
[M] DR. LIVINGSTONE'S WASHSTAND AND PORTABLE DESK,...
DR. LIVINGSTONE'S WASHSTAND AND PORTABLE DESK, BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN USED IN THE SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL AFRICA EXPEDITION, 1852-1856
probably regionally made in mahogany and comprising a patinated hinged lid with period provenance label framed within, together with additional cutting, fitted interior with vacant recesses, dummy drawer to front, turned legs and iron securing loops (old wear overall, lacks accessories for compartments, 'drawer' handles missing) -- 30 x 26 x 20in. (76 x 66 x 51cm.)
David Livingstone and James "Paraffin" Young, the Scottish pioneer of chemical engineering became friendly at Anderson's College (now Strathclyde University). Having discovered its potential, Young took out a patent in 1850 for the production of paraffin oil which went on to make him a fortune and in 1858 he set up a nationwide network of shops to sell both oil and lamps, each run by local managers. The McHaffies were a long established family of lamp dealers who had started as ironmongers, and can be found at several addresses up until the 1880s living in the East End of London. Young's friendship with Livingstone never waned and he not only part-funded his expeditions, but also some of the searches for him when Livingstone disappeared. When he learnt of Livingstone's death, he paid for his servants to be repatriated and funded a statue still present in George Square, Glasgow.
This washstand is not thought to be of European manufacture and is likely to be something Livingstone acquired on arrival in Cape Town. He famously travelled "light" by contemporary standards, and whilst to modern eyes it seems inconveniently large, a combined writing surface and toilette area may have been one of his few concessions. It may also have been used on his explorations of Southern and Central Africa between 1852-56 and then returned with him in 1857 before it was deposited with his other equipment at Young's premises in Oxford Street, London. Later on it seems to have passed to Alfred Marsh, a House Furnisher who was still at the 116-118 Kentish Town Road address in the 1891 census.
probably regionally made in mahogany and comprising a patinated hinged lid with period provenance label framed within, together with additional cutting, fitted interior with vacant recesses, dummy drawer to front, turned legs and iron securing loops (old wear overall, lacks accessories for compartments, 'drawer' handles missing) -- 30 x 26 x 20in. (76 x 66 x 51cm.)
David Livingstone and James "Paraffin" Young, the Scottish pioneer of chemical engineering became friendly at Anderson's College (now Strathclyde University). Having discovered its potential, Young took out a patent in 1850 for the production of paraffin oil which went on to make him a fortune and in 1858 he set up a nationwide network of shops to sell both oil and lamps, each run by local managers. The McHaffies were a long established family of lamp dealers who had started as ironmongers, and can be found at several addresses up until the 1880s living in the East End of London. Young's friendship with Livingstone never waned and he not only part-funded his expeditions, but also some of the searches for him when Livingstone disappeared. When he learnt of Livingstone's death, he paid for his servants to be repatriated and funded a statue still present in George Square, Glasgow.
This washstand is not thought to be of European manufacture and is likely to be something Livingstone acquired on arrival in Cape Town. He famously travelled "light" by contemporary standards, and whilst to modern eyes it seems inconveniently large, a combined writing surface and toilette area may have been one of his few concessions. It may also have been used on his explorations of Southern and Central Africa between 1852-56 and then returned with him in 1857 before it was deposited with his other equipment at Young's premises in Oxford Street, London. Later on it seems to have passed to Alfred Marsh, a House Furnisher who was still at the 116-118 Kentish Town Road address in the 1891 census.
Sold for £4,960
Estimated at £3,000 - £5,000
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
DR. LIVINGSTONE'S WASHSTAND AND PORTABLE DESK, BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN USED IN THE SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL AFRICA EXPEDITION, 1852-1856
probably regionally made in mahogany and comprising a patinated hinged lid with period provenance label framed within, together with additional cutting, fitted interior with vacant recesses, dummy drawer to front, turned legs and iron securing loops (old wear overall, lacks accessories for compartments, 'drawer' handles missing) -- 30 x 26 x 20in. (76 x 66 x 51cm.)
David Livingstone and James "Paraffin" Young, the Scottish pioneer of chemical engineering became friendly at Anderson's College (now Strathclyde University). Having discovered its potential, Young took out a patent in 1850 for the production of paraffin oil which went on to make him a fortune and in 1858 he set up a nationwide network of shops to sell both oil and lamps, each run by local managers. The McHaffies were a long established family of lamp dealers who had started as ironmongers, and can be found at several addresses up until the 1880s living in the East End of London. Young's friendship with Livingstone never waned and he not only part-funded his expeditions, but also some of the searches for him when Livingstone disappeared. When he learnt of Livingstone's death, he paid for his servants to be repatriated and funded a statue still present in George Square, Glasgow.
This washstand is not thought to be of European manufacture and is likely to be something Livingstone acquired on arrival in Cape Town. He famously travelled "light" by contemporary standards, and whilst to modern eyes it seems inconveniently large, a combined writing surface and toilette area may have been one of his few concessions. It may also have been used on his explorations of Southern and Central Africa between 1852-56 and then returned with him in 1857 before it was deposited with his other equipment at Young's premises in Oxford Street, London. Later on it seems to have passed to Alfred Marsh, a House Furnisher who was still at the 116-118 Kentish Town Road address in the 1891 census.
probably regionally made in mahogany and comprising a patinated hinged lid with period provenance label framed within, together with additional cutting, fitted interior with vacant recesses, dummy drawer to front, turned legs and iron securing loops (old wear overall, lacks accessories for compartments, 'drawer' handles missing) -- 30 x 26 x 20in. (76 x 66 x 51cm.)
David Livingstone and James "Paraffin" Young, the Scottish pioneer of chemical engineering became friendly at Anderson's College (now Strathclyde University). Having discovered its potential, Young took out a patent in 1850 for the production of paraffin oil which went on to make him a fortune and in 1858 he set up a nationwide network of shops to sell both oil and lamps, each run by local managers. The McHaffies were a long established family of lamp dealers who had started as ironmongers, and can be found at several addresses up until the 1880s living in the East End of London. Young's friendship with Livingstone never waned and he not only part-funded his expeditions, but also some of the searches for him when Livingstone disappeared. When he learnt of Livingstone's death, he paid for his servants to be repatriated and funded a statue still present in George Square, Glasgow.
This washstand is not thought to be of European manufacture and is likely to be something Livingstone acquired on arrival in Cape Town. He famously travelled "light" by contemporary standards, and whilst to modern eyes it seems inconveniently large, a combined writing surface and toilette area may have been one of his few concessions. It may also have been used on his explorations of Southern and Central Africa between 1852-56 and then returned with him in 1857 before it was deposited with his other equipment at Young's premises in Oxford Street, London. Later on it seems to have passed to Alfred Marsh, a House Furnisher who was still at the 116-118 Kentish Town Road address in the 1891 census.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art ('Courageous'), 10th May, 2016
