Edward Adrian Wilson

Sitterback to top

• Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912), Naturalist and Antarctic explorer. Sitter in 5 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Herbert George Ponting (1870-1935). Artist of 10 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

Wilson was the head of the scientific staff of the Terra Nova expedition, having previously served on Scott's Discovery expedition. He was a talented field naturalist with a keen ability to sketch his observations. This photograph shows him finishing a watercolour of the atmospheric effects caused by the extreme cold.
The final pages of Scott's journal included a letter to Mrs Wilson: 'If this letter reaches you Bill and I will have gone out together. We are very near it now and I should like you to know how splendid he was at the last - everlastingly cheerful and ready to sacrifice himself for others, never a word of blame to me for leading him into this mess… he died as he lived, a brave, true man - the best of comrades and the staunchest of friends.'

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Scott of the Antarctic (16 August 2011 - 22 April 2012)

Subject/Themeback to top

• Making art