In 2024, the Red Circle of Washington, DC, hosted prominent Sherlock Burt Wolder. Burt (BSI’s “Third Pillar from the Left”) has been the co-host, along with Scott Monty, of the popular podcast “I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere,” for the past 17 years, and also the weekly podcast “Trifles.” A former employee of AT&T, he now sits on the board of Frederic Dorr Steele Memorial, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes public awareness of Steele’s life and work.
Burt’s talk was entitled “Arthur Conan Doyle: Adventurous Life, Enduring Memories.” Burt began by relating how Conan Doyle suffered a heart attack in 1929, which left him frail and introspective. Not long before he had another fatal attack in July 1930, he drew a cartoon of “The Old Horse,” hauling a cart laden with crates full of memories down a long road, under the care of three veterinarians. The question Burt posed was can we learn something from the contents of Conan Doyle’s packing cases.
You can watch the recording of Burt's talk here:
As part of Burt's talk, he shared a beautiful printed copy of the illustration with attendees. These were originally created for Burt's presentation at the 2024 Sherlockian meeting at Dayton, OH.
The original image was created in 1929, and can be seen with key at the ACD Encyclopedia. The image shows Doyle as 'The Old Horse', and the label underneath states 'Consultation of vets Webb-Johnson, Parkinson, and Mackintosh "The Old Horse has pulled a heavy load a long way. But he is well cared for, and with six weeks stable and six months grass, he will be on the road once more".'
The illustration was printed by Doyle and shared with friends, and there is at least one example of a signed copy. It was included after his death in several publications including John Lammond's memoirs of Doyle the year following his 1930 death. The key is exceptionally helpful, as Doyle's original labeling is incredibly small. Here, for example, is Doyle's small image for his time at Stonyhurst (1869-1876) as a student. With comparison to a contemporary view of the main school building, it is easily recognizable.
The horse pulls many sacks loaded on the 'Life Works Carriage Co.'. Each sack is labeled, and include literary works such as 'Sherlock Holmes', accomplishments such as his contributions to the 'Edalji' case, and world travels including 'Australia 1921'. It is notable that on the long and winding road the horse has pulled his load, Doyle did not highlight his marriages or other family events. This is very much about Doyle's public life and accomplishments.
Burt's talk was highly enjoyable, and his creative way of using Doyle's own reflection on his life, right at the end of the journey, was a masterclass. Burt's 'hand-out' has been the inspiration for me to create a physical item to accompany my talks, and I'll be sharing those examples in future blog posts.
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