Speaker Biographies

Philip Curtis

Philip joined the auctioneers Christie’s in 1984, becoming Head of the Map Department two years later. In 1992 he became Director of The Map House in Knightsbridge, London. Established in 1907, The Map House is the oldest and largest specialist antique map sellers in the world.
While having a deep passion for all things cartographic,he has always been particularly fascinated with the charts of the discovery and mapping of “Terra Australis Incognita”, the Unknown Southern Land.
In 2012 Philip co-wrote “The Mapping of Antarctica” which focused on the maps from the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration and the extraordinary stories and people behind them.
He is  very proud that my book, on sale in the UKAHT shop in Port Lockroy, made me, if only briefly, the best-selling author across an entire continent!
philip@themaphouse.com
www.themaphouse.com

Mark Richards

Mark Richards is a sculptor specialising in fine figurative work. His technique draws on a tradition wherein sculptors receive comprehensive instruction in design, technique and execution and work mainly on commission. He was taught by A J Ayres who, in turn, had worked with Eric Gill.
His preference is to work with people and within supportive, creative environments with the often collaborative nature of working with both committees and individuals.
Mark’s works have a worldwide footprint; in Ireland – Nicky Rackard (Wexford), Big Tom (Monaghan), Roger Casement (Dun Laoghaire), ‘Squires’ Gannon (Kildare) and of course his landmark statue of Ernest Shackleton unveiled in Athy, 30th August 2016, the centenary of the rescue of the Endurance crew from Elephant Island.

Booking.com (Athy, Co. Kildare, Ireland)

Into Kildare (Kildare Tourism) webpage. (Use ‘Stay’ menu for Accommodation information)