Humphrey Ocean (b. 1951)
Lot 324

Humphrey Ocean (b. 1951)

Tin Can Island

Closed11 July 2013

Price Realised

GBP 375

More Information

How to sell

Humphrey Ocean (b. 1951)
Tin Can Island
signed, inscribed and dated 'For Tony Reichardt/Humphrey Ocean 1982' (lower left)
collage with postage stamps, colour pencil, ink and pastel
10¼ x 11¼ in. (26.6 x 28.5 cm.)

Specialist note

Tin Can Island, also known as Niuafo'ou is a volcanic island in the kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific. It derives its name from the fact that since the island has no natural harbour or wharf, mail is usually delivered by strong swimmers who would retrieve the packages sealed up in biscuit tins and thrown overboard by passing ships. Tin Can Mail was developed in the 19th century, festooning the mail with colourful stamps that have become collectors' items. Tony Reichardt is a passionate stamp collector.