RMG acquires iconic Gibsons archive shipwrecks collection at Sotheby's auction

KOLKATA: At Sotheby's London auction on November 12, the Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) acquired a world renowned and nationally significant collection of photographic and archive material. The Gibsons of Scilly archive presented one of the most graphic and emotive depictions of shipwrecks and its aftermath produced in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The material was acquired at the Sotheby's 'Travel, Atlases, Maps and Natural History Sale' in London for £122,500 (£100,000-£150,000).

The archive of dramatic and often haunting images taken over 125 years (1872 to 1997) by four generations of the Gibson family, records over 200 wrecks -- the ships, heroic rescues, survivors, burials and salvage scenes -- off the treacherous coastline of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Lord Sterling of Plaistow, chairman of the Royal Museums Greenwich, said, "The acquisition of this remarkable archive will enable us to create a series of exhibitions that will travel across the country, starting with the South West. I am very pleased that the National Maritime Museum has been able to secure this wonderful collection for the nation and I know that the Gibson family are delighted that their family archive will remain and be displayed in this country."

Sandra Gibson of the Gibson family said, "We're absolutely delighted that the archive has gone to such a good home. It was always important to the family to share these wonderful shipwreck images with the public and selling at an auction, with publicity in the lead up to the sale has created significant awareness and appreciation for these photographs. We are grateful for Sotheby's efforts and their effective international campaign."

The acquisition of this collection comprising over 1360 glass and film negatives, complements the Museum's existing, extensive historic photography collection and creates an unprecedented opportunity for the Museum to further examine and explore the story of life at sea and the dangers experienced by seafarers through research, education and display projects.

Having secured the archive, RMG will initially conserve, research and digitise the collection, leading to a number of initiatives to tour regional museums and galleries, especially those in the South West of England.