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
Insert: 6.2 x 12.8cm
AcquisitionPresented in 2010 by Joyce Laing OBE.
Copyright© Estate of Ian Hamilton Finlay
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.
