2002 - Exeter College - University of Oxford
2002 - Exeter College - University of Oxford
2002 - Exeter College - University of Oxford
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Dear Dr Snicker<br />
EXETER COLLEGE<br />
CORRESPONDENCE<br />
Iread the letter from P L Milton in the Michaelmas term EXTRA about a<br />
painting <strong>of</strong> the <strong>College</strong> barge by Kenneth Rowntree. It set me thinking.<br />
In ‘<strong>Oxford</strong> Today’ there are frequently advertisements <strong>of</strong>fering reproductions<br />
<strong>of</strong> paintings <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oxford</strong> colleges; might it be possible to organise<br />
the production and sale <strong>of</strong> a reproduction <strong>of</strong> the painting <strong>of</strong> the <strong>College</strong><br />
barge?<br />
Subsequent reflection has thrown up the following points: the cooperation<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Saffron Walden (Fry) Art Gallery would obviously be<br />
necessary and must first be investigated. The likely demand should also be<br />
investigated in advance; the number <strong>of</strong> Exonians with affection for the<br />
barge may be too limited. The price could perhaps be set to yield some<br />
contribution to the <strong>College</strong> or the ECBCA; it might be possible even at this<br />
late stage to assert the interest <strong>of</strong> the <strong>College</strong> in owning the painting (if this<br />
is the case) and to buy it from the gallery – which could in any case be<br />
presented with an example <strong>of</strong> the reproduction.<br />
If the <strong>College</strong> does not feel able to make the necessary<br />
funds available maybe there is an old member<br />
<strong>Exeter</strong> <strong>College</strong> Barge<br />
who would buy the painting and present it to the<br />
<strong>College</strong>.<br />
I should like to know if you think this idea is<br />
worth taking further.<br />
Rector<br />
Ithought you might like to glance<br />
at this and perhaps put to<br />
archives. I have the original.<br />
Three <strong>of</strong> my uncles were at <strong>Exeter</strong><br />
during, before and after World War<br />
I. So this possibly dates just about<br />
1912/1913. But it could more<br />
probably be from the previous<br />
generation (Reginald Bellyse ex<br />
Harrow School).<br />
You notice the Sovereign and<br />
Military Order <strong>of</strong> Malta Galley Flag<br />
as used by ECBC. The 1st Eight also<br />
wore black boaters (like the tarred<br />
ones worn by Nelson’s navy) and it<br />
was said evolved the first “club tie”<br />
by using their boater ‘ribands’ as a<br />
distinctive loose necktie.<br />
Sincerely<br />
Garry Williams (1951, Theology,<br />
Modern History and Classics)<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
John Saunders (1954), Captain <strong>of</strong> Boats (1956-57)<br />
Editor’s note: The comments made in John Saunders’ letter<br />
were raised with the Fry Gallery, Bridge End Gardens,<br />
Castle Street, Saffron Walden CB10 1BD. Tel: 01799-<br />
513779 www.uttlesford.gov.uk/saffire/places/frygall<br />
The picture was bought for the Fry Art Gallery as<br />
Kenneth Rowntree lived in the area during the 2 nd World<br />
War. According to the family <strong>Exeter</strong> was one <strong>of</strong> the few colleges not to buy the painting<br />
<strong>of</strong> its barge when the series was exhibited twice in <strong>Oxford</strong> after being painted in the mid-<br />
1950s. The picture was one <strong>of</strong> two bought from the artist’s family after his death.<br />
So far the gallery has only suggested that they would be willing to cooperate over<br />
the production <strong>of</strong> a postcard reproduction <strong>of</strong> the paining. They have developed a sponsorship<br />
scheme whereby the sponsor pays for the production <strong>of</strong> 1000 cards and in return is<br />
given 250 <strong>of</strong> the cards.<br />
The painting is currently on display at the gallery, though it should be noted that<br />
the opening times are limited and the gallery is closed from the end <strong>of</strong> October to Easter.<br />
It is possible that the barge may not form part <strong>of</strong> the permanent exhibition next year but<br />
the gallery appears willing to facilitate access and could arrange a special opening <strong>of</strong> the<br />
gallery if there is interest.<br />
Dear Rector<br />
Ijust saw the <strong>2002</strong> Steamer<br />
Capital Scholar Michael<br />
Hugman <strong>of</strong>f at the<br />
(Saskatoon) airport. He is a very<br />
impressive individual with a promising<br />
future ahead. We were delighted<br />
to spend time with him.<br />
Kind regards<br />
Henry Kloppenburg (1968, Jurisprudence)<br />
4 EXON - Autumn <strong>2002</strong>