The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
1107.2013.1
Kodak Autographic Camera
17/12/2013
Hermione Cooper
17/12/2013
Kodak camera in leather carrying case
leather, metal
25(l) x 12(w) cms
2
On case "KODAK"
On camera "VELOSTO NO. 1A ROCHESTER USA 3A AUTOGRAPHIC KODAK SPECIAL MODEL B USE AUTOGRAPHIC FILM NOA - 122"
silver/black
Kodak
USA
Doctor,skier,Arctic explorer and author amongst many other things, W.A.S. Thomas was a man of many parts. Born in 1900 he trained as an analytical chemist and in 1926 was part of an expedition bound for the Arctic under the leadership of Frank Worsley. Tales of the expeditions attempts to find the North West passage are re-told in Worsley's book "Under sail in the Frozen North" still in print in 2013, 86 years after it first appeared.
Later in life, Dr. Thoms re-trained as a GP with a practise in Peebles where he would often be seen out on the skis that he had used in the Arctic. He also experimented in making his own skis and we are fortunate to have examples of both these sets of skis elsewhere in the collection.
Amazingly, in 2010, we made contact with Dr Thom's daughter, Elspeth, and were able to learn a lot more about his life. Having recovered it from the loft, Elspeth kindly donated this camera to the collection. The Kodak Autographic 3A first appeared on the market in 1914, so this one may well have been on the 1927 Arctic expedition. Elspeth tells us there are some negatives somewhere - we can't wait to see them.
Donated by Elspeth Thom
17/12/2013
17/12/2013
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
17/12/2013