Cope, British Expedition to Graham Land

• MS 932/6/1-3;D Proposals (3) for expeditions, undated [The first two propose the expedition, 1920-1921, the third the 1924 Antarctic (South Africa Quadrant) Expedition] typescript
• MS 931/1/1;D Agreement between Cope and Maxime Charles Lester, 25 September 1920 [Formal agreement for services and payments, witnessed by E.R.Dinsley] typed
• MS 358/8/1;D Plans of the British Imperial Antarctic Expedition, 4 January 1921, 2 leaves, typescript

The British Expedition to Graham Land, 1920-1922 (led by Cope) was originally planned as a more comprehensive expedition entitled the British Imperial Antarctic Expedition. When funding for the ambitious projects was not forthcoming a more modest expedition eventuated. Four men were taken to the South Shetland Islands by whaling vassals. Cope and expedition member George Hubert Wilkins returned with the whalers when it became apparent that their goal of Antarctic flight was unachievable. The two remaining members, Thomas Wyatt Bagshawe and Maxime Charles Lester wintered at Waterboat point undertaking meteorological, tidal and zoological observations.

Chronological.

The Institute holds several collections containing material relating to this expedition including collections for expedition members Thomas Wyatt Bagshawe, George Hubert Wilkins and Maxime Charles Lester.