Antarctic explorer to bring out history buffs

A gold pocket watch, compass and family photos once belonging to geologist Professor Griffith Taylor (1880-1963), a surviving member of British explorer Robert Scott’s ill-fated 1910-1913 Terra Nova Expedition to Antarctica, will be a major drawcard for Philips Auctions jewellery auction from 6pm Monday June 16 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern. 

Migrating from England to Australia with his family aged 13, Taylor was educated at King’s School, the University of Sydney and later Cambridge, where he was elected a fellow of the Geological Society, London in 1909 and befriended several leading explorers who all shared his passion for Antarctic exploration.

Robert Scott was looking for an experienced team and appointed Taylor senior geologist.

Taylor led a successful team responsible for the first maps and geological interpretations of significant areas of Antarctica including the region west of McMurdo Sound.

Meanwhile, Scott led a party of five in a race to be the first explorers to reach the South Pole – only to be defeated by Norwegian Roald Amundsen and perish on the return journey.

Despite several weather difficulties, Taylor’s party was eventually picked up on February 18, 1912 by the Terra Nova – unaware of Scott’s fate.

Taylor was presented with the Hardy Brothers watch on his return from the expedition.

The auction has plenty of other jewellery items to attract buyers including an emerald and diamond three stone ring, a large aquamarine and diamond ring and an unusual diamond set cross pendant.