Images(2)

Old Thames Barges

ArtistDesigned/Sent by Ian Hamilton Finlay (Nassau, Bahamas, 1925 - 2006)

PrinterPrinted by Wild Hawthorn Press (founded 1961)

RecipientReceived by Joyce Laing (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1939 - 2022)

Date1994

Object NameFolding Card

Mediumcard, paper, ink

ClassificationsPrints

DimensionsCard, Folded: 7.5 x 14cm
Insert: 6.2 x 12.8cm

AcquisitionPresented in 2010 by Joyce Laing OBE.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG017627

About MeChristmas card with loose paper insert designed by Ian Hamilton Finlay and sent to Joyce Laing, printed by the Wild Hawthorn Press. It features the following four lines of text on the front, printed in black and pale brown:

the October-coloured sails of old Thamesbarges
the water-filled footprints of old Thames barges
the cold Christmas stables of old Thames barges
the Georgian pastorals of odl Thames barges

The loose insert inside the card contains explanations of each of these four lines, taken from "A Handbook of Sailing Barges" by F.S. Cooper. This text is printed in pale brown on white paper. It is possible that this insert was solely for Joyce Laing's (the recipient's) benefit, as the version of this card for sale at the Wild Hawthorn Press does not include the insert.

This work is part of an archive that belonged to Joyce Laing, OBE. The artist, Ian Hamilton Finlay, was a personal friend and sent her an example of each new poem print and multiple as it was made.