Thomas Hodgson collection

The collection comprises of material relating to the British National Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1904 (leader Robert Falcon Scott) and later correspondence including views on Antarctic personalities.

Thomas Vere Hodgson was born in Birmingham on 19 February 1864. He started his career in a bank, but studied biology in his spare time and applied successfully for a job as assistant in the Marine Biological Association's laboratories in Plymouth. He joined the British National Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1904 (leader Robert Falcon Scott) as biologist. He took part in several sledging journeys and collected many biological specimens during the expedition. He was awarded a Polar Medal for his part in the expedition.

Hodgson returned to the laboratories in Plymouth after the expedition, becoming curator of the city's museum and art gallery. His contributions to scientific journals won him distinction and he became an expert on porcelain. He died in 1926.

The collection is split into two sub-fond, the British National Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1904 and later correspondence.

By appointment.

Some materials deposited at the Institute are NOT owned by the Institute. In such cases the archivist will advise about any requirements imposed by the owner. These may include seeking permission to read, extended closure, or other specific conditions.

Anyone wishing to consult material should ensure they note the entire MS reference and the name of the originator.

The term holograph is used when the item is wholly in the handwriting of the author. The term autograph is used when the author has signed the item.

Descriptions compiled by N. Boneham, Assistant Archivist with assistance from R. Stancombe and reference to Scott of the Antarctic by Elspeth Huxley, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London (1977) SPRI Library Shelf 92[Scott, R.F.] and Robert Keith Headland Antarctic Chronology, unpublished corrected revision of Chronological list of Antarctic expeditions and related historical events, (1 December 2001) Cambridge University Press (1989) ISBN 0521309034

Clive Holland Manuscripts in the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, England - a catalogue, Garland Publishing New York and London (1982) ISBN 0824093941.

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