Descriptions compiled by N. Boneham, Assistant Archivist with assistance from R. Stancombe and reference to Robert Keith Headland
Kathleen Scott (nee Bruce) was born at Carlton-in-Lindrick, near Worksop, on 27 March 1878, eleventh child of the Reverend Lloyd Bruce. She studied art at the Slade School of Art in London and also at the Academie Colarossi in Paris, (where she learnt to sculpt with Rodin) and in Florence.
She was an established sculptress when she met Robert Falcon Scott in 1907, marrying him in September 1908 and giving birth to their son, Peter, in September 1909. In 1910, she accompanied her husband to New Zealand from where he set off on the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-1913.
In February 1913, whilst travelling back to New Zealand in order to greet the polar party, she learned that Scott had died in late March 1912 on his return journey from the South Pole.
In recognition of her husband's achievements, she was accorded the rank, style and precedence of the wife of a Knight Commander of the Order of Bath.
In 1922, she married Edward Hilton Young, MP for Norwich, by whom she had a son, Wayland, in 1923. In 1935, Young was raised to the Peerage as Baron Kennet. Baroness Kathleen Kennet, who continued to work professionally under the name of Scott, died in July 1947.
A bronze statue of Robert Falcon Scott by Kathleen stands in Waterloo Place, London, and a marble statue of the same design is situated in Christchurch, New Zealand. A bronze statue of Edward Wilson by Kathleen Scott, unveiled by Sir Clements Markham in 1914, is to be found in Cheltenham. Among her many other sculptures is a statue entitled 'They had most to give', which stands in the garden of the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge. This Institute also has a bust of Robert Falcon.
Published work,
The collection comprises of correspondence by Kathleen primarily regarding her husband Robert Falcon Scott and the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-1913 (led by Scott).
The correspondence is arranged alphabetically by recipient.
Further accessions possible.
By appointment.
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Anyone wishing to consult material should ensure they note the entire MS reference and the name of the originator.
The term holograph is used when the item is wholly in the handwriting of the author. The term autograph is used when the author has signed the item.
Clive Holland
Additional finding aids are available at the Institute.
The Scott Polar Research Institute holds a number of photographs, film and
other illustrative material in the Picture Library. This material includes photographs
of Kathleen. The catalogue can be searched on line by going to the
Further material created by Kathleen Scott can be found amongst the Kennet papers held by the University of Cambridge Library, Department of manuscripts and University archives (ref GB 012 MS. Kennet.)
The correspondence relates to the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-1913 (leader Robert Falcon Scott). It covers the departure of her husband for the Antarctic through to messages of condolence received by Kathleen on the news of her husband's death with the Pole party in 1912. Later correspondence deals with the results of the expedition and publication of books regarding it.
CORRESPONDENCE BY KATHLEEN
CORRESPONDENCE TO KATHLEEN
Alphabetical.
The Institute holds over a hundred archival collections containing material relating to the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-1913 and extensive archival collections for Robert Falcon Scott, see SPRI collection GB 015 British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-1913 for more information.