{"product_id":"1902-drawing-architectural-studies-for-colonial-houses-island-of-grand-turk","title":"1902 Architectural Interest. Rare Sheet of Pen \u0026 Ink Studies for Colonial Houses at the Island of Grand Turk","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a very rare survivor. A sheet of Architectural Studies for Colonial Houses at the Island of Grand Turk in the West Indies. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Turks and Caicos Islands are located 575 miles (925 km) southeast of Miami, Florida, roughly midway between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an interesting document relating to the architectural history of the island of Grand Turk in the Atlantic. It shows a selection of plans and elevations for public buildings on the island. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe drawing has been signed off in the bottom corner by John F. Osborne (?), Colonial Surveyor on 21st May 1902.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name of the island comes from a species of cactus on the island, the Turk's Cap Cactus (Melocactus intortus), which has a distinctive cap, reminiscent of an Ottoman fez.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is here that Christopher Columbus first made landfall on his initial voyage to the New World in 1492.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrand Turk is the administrative and political capital of the Turks \u0026amp; Caicos Islands, and Cockburn Town has been the seat of government since 1766. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis small island is bursting with Caribbean charm; founded by Bermudan Salt Rakers some three centuries ago. The island’s Bermudan \/ British colonial architecture amidst the colourful, Caribbean-style local dwellings continue to be a pull for tourists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, many cruise ships (not more than two at a time) stop at the Carnival Cruise Terminal, toward the south end of the island, to provide guests a \"sun and sand\" day while transiting between Florida and the Caribbean. I am sure that with tropical storms etc over the last 120 years since this sketch was made - that the proposed buildings in the sketch no longer survive. I am not sure how this drawing even ended up in Scotland; that is all a bit of a mystery!  Perhaps this sheet should be presented to their local museum as a document of historical interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn interesting archival document - please ask for a full condition report as this is very much a working drawing. But as a working drawing, it is in quite fine condition and a rare item. There are blotches of brown ink on the sheet - probably made by the artist \/ architect drafting out his plans for the buildings. I have taken lots of images of details for your inspection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt will cost roughly £10 to post to you in the UK with Parcelforce24. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Iconic Edinburgh","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31616753074240,"sku":"Plan Chest Drawer 5","price":175.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/1902\/6240\/files\/interesting-sheet-of-pen-ink-architectural-studies-for-colonial-houses-at-the-island-grand-turk-dated-1902-international-art-102.webp?v=1786193527","url":"https:\/\/www.iconicedinburgh.co.uk\/products\/1902-drawing-architectural-studies-for-colonial-houses-island-of-grand-turk","provider":"Iconic Edinburgh","version":"1.0","type":"link"}