Echoes of a true East Devon countryman
Chilcotts Auctioneers’ January 10 sale includes an important collection of hunting and fishing books and memorabilia from the library of Dr Roy Neville Craig that encapsulates this eminent psychiatrist’s love of country pursuits.
Dr Craig lived for many years in The Lodge in Alphington, Exeter, before moving in retirement to Beaufort in County Kerry. A psychiatrist with consulting rooms in Dix’s Field, Dr Craig was progressive in his outlook and highly regarded within his profession.
The Craig family were upstanding members of the community and patriots, and gave over their home to be used by the Home Guard. Dr Craig served as a navy surgeon during the First World War in North Sea manoeuvres; the auction includes a number of his medals. There is also an unusual boxed presentation piece of tortoiseshell, enamel and crystal given to Dr Craig’s wife Kathleen, later to become Justice of the Peace for Devon, for her work in the WVS. Tragically, one of their two sons, Ian Neville Craig was killed during World War Two in El Alamain in October 1942, just a few days after his 21st birthday. The telegram from the War Office informing of Ian’s death and other poignant memorabilia are also to be sold.
The major part of the collection comprises a fascinating variety of illustrated books celebrating countryside activities. Authors and illustrators include Snaffles, John Masefield, G Denholm Armour and Lionel Edwards ‒ these are expected to realise between £50 and £300 per lot. Not only was Dr Craig Master of East Devon Hunt, he was also an avid scribbler, writing three wonderful volumes under the nom de plume ‘Jack Hare’ about the exploits of the Stoke Hill Beagles, the hunting pack whose fortunes he revived as Master from 1927 to 1945. These readable volumes detail beagle hunts held from 1930 – 1935 and mention many familiar Devon place names, including Clyst Hydon, Talaton, Matford, Kenn, Shillingford and Uffculme – the beagles travelled widely in Devon!
Also included in the sale is an evocative work of art, showing the Poltimore Hunt going through its paces. This engraving of a painting by local artist William Widgery was presented to the Right Hon. Lord Poltimore. Another item of interest is the autobiography of Henry Morton Stanley who famously found Dr Livingstone on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Entitled ‘Bula-Matari’, which translates as ‘Breaker of Rocks’, this book is number 39 of a limited edition of 250 that were signed by Lady Stanley. It carries an auction estimate of £500 to £700.
During his life Dr Craig amassed a wonderful private library reflecting his passion for hunting and fishing; this will be the first time since he acquired them in the early and mid-20th Century that they have come on to the market. Dr Craig’s granddaughter said: “It would be wonderful if someone who shares the same passion for the hunt is able to buy the collection.”
Viewing at Chilcotts, The Silver Street Saleroom, Silver Street, Honiton, on January 8 and 9 between 9am and 7pm, and on Saleday from 8.30am. The auction starts at 10:30am on January 10.
