SHACKLETON, Sir Ernest Henry (1874-1922). Explorer.
Letter Signed to [Charles] Buchel (Karl August Büchel, 1872-1950, artist), 1 page 8vo with blank leaf, Marlborough Club, Pall Mall, 22 June 1920. Arranging an appointment, apparently for a sitting for his portrait.

'I must apologise for not answering yours of June Second but I have been away.
 'I will call one morning myself for the portrait in the near future.
 'Would you please let me know what the cost of it is.'

Buchel is best remembered for his theatircal posters and stage designs, but examples of his portraiture in oils are in the National Portrait Gallery and the Garrick Club. The present whereabouts of the portrait of Shackleton are not known. This, and two related letters, are the only evidence for its existence.It would seem clear from this letter that the picture was finished and that it came into Shackleton's own possession.
 Shackleton's last expedition was to be in the Quest, which sailed in September 1920 for a scientific exploration of the sub-Antartic and Oceanic islands, arriving in South Georgia on 4 January 1922. He died on board the ship at Grytviken the following day and is buried there.
 The Marlborough Club merged in 1945 with the Orleans Club to form the Marlborough Windham Club. The new combined club closed in 1953 and the premises became offices.
[No: 25463]