Tryggve Gran (1888-1980) – polar explorer and First World War aviator – was a man whose achievements and adventurous life were recognised in two lots offered by Christie’s (25/20/12% buyer’s premium) on July 12.
Born into a Norwegian shipbuilding family, he was inspired by Kaiser Wilhelm II to become a naval officer but on graduating from naval college in 1910 he was, at Fridtjof Nansen’s recommendation, recruited by Scott as a skiing expert for his Terra Nova expedition.
Gran was later part of the 11-man search party that found the tent containing the frozen bodies of Scott, Wilson and Bowers. For his role in the expedition he was awarded the Polar Medal by George V.