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Ian Fleming carefully
kept the original manuscripts for his James Bond thrillers, in addition to
pre-publication book proofs and author’s copies that include summary notes
in his own handwriting. For researchers and fans, these represent
incredible views into the origins of the 007 character and the mind of his
fascinating creator.
A sampling from among these one-of-a-kind texts will be displayed as part
of the Bond Watches, James Bond Watches exhibit at the National
Watch & Clock Museum, opening June 17, 2010. This loan was made possible
by special arrangement with the Lilly Library at Indiana University,
Bloomington, IN.
“We can tell a lot by looking at the actual pages as Mr. Fleming hammered
them out at the keys of his Imperial portable typewriter,” notes Dell
Deaton of
JamesBondWatches.com and guest curator for the Bond Watches exhibit.
The ‘Rolex’ reference in LIVE AND LET DIE, for example, is first-draft.
That, then, specifically dates it to February or March of 1953 — and
establishes a context for examining the role that his friend Commander
Jacques Cousteau may have had in providing input on the brand.
THUNDERBALL, of course,
shows how Ian Fleming created the first Bond gadget-watch, in 1960.
“There’s also what we can see as iterations progress. This National Watch
& Clock Museum display, for example, will include three versions of ON HER
MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE that reveal Fleming’s interesting focus on
wristwatch-related details,” Deaton continues. “There’s a curious
continuity error that started with the manuscript when it was written at 'Goldeneye'
and made it all the way to the ‘Uncorrected Proof’ binding, but which was
caught and corrected before the first edition book run and serialized
publication in Playboy. We’re planning to show this complete
progression as part of this special exhibit.”
The original James Bond
manuscripts, author’s first editions, and other materials were acquired by
the Lilly Library in 1970. Thus, the Bond Watches, James Bond Watches
exhibit will mark the first time in four decades that the original 007
wristwatch (Ian Fleming’s Rolex 1016 Explorer) and the 1962 manuscript in
which it is referenced will be displayed together.
“The National Watch & Clock Museum is extremely grateful to Indiana
University and its Lilly Library for the loan of these materials,” Museum
Director Noel Poirier adds. “Through the years, we’ve been able to enter
into cooperative exchanges such as this with a variety of other
institutions, expanding the reach in sharing what we’ve preserved from the
history of timekeeping. It allows us to broaden the context of exhibits
such as this, showing not just the watches, but the culture and period in
which they were important.”
Dell Deaton is the creator-author of
JamesBondWatches.com and guest curator for this Bond Watches, James
Bond Watches exhibition. He is a member of both the National
Association of Watch & Clock Collectors and American Marketing
Association, and a recognized expert on Ian Fleming and James Bond
horology. Previously he was elected to a three-year term on the board of
directors that governs the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, and
served three terms on the editorial advisory board for Exhibitor
Publications.
The National Watch and Clock Museum is operated by the National
Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
association with close to 20,000 members, representing 52 countries. April
through November the Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. December through March hours are
Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discounts are available to
seniors, students, AAA members, and groups of 10 or more. Groups of 10 or
more are encouraged to call ahead. For more program information,
directions, or general Museum information, call 717-684-8261 or visit our
website at www.nawcc.org. |
