Marjory and Oliver Wardrops Georgia – British society to celebrate a jubilee
“The spray of Georgian soil on her grave, putting Georgian flowers, lighting of candles blessed here and sound of Georgian coral is one more little contribution to her memory”

By Rusudan Kbilashvili

“Marjory Wardrop died in dreaming for Georgia, her brother recalled, - dying in Bucharest from tuberculosis she was constantly talking about Georgia, even the last minute she drew with her right hand - GEORGIA and passed over. That was mystic love that cannot be disrespected”– Teimuraz Rukhadze, Chairman of the Marjory and Oliver Wardrops Georgia – British friendship society remarked. So the spray of Georgian soil on her grave, putting Georgian flowers, lighting of candles and sound of Georgian coral is one more little contribution to her memory that the society plans to do.
The Marjory and Oliver Wardrops Georgia – British friendship society was founded in November 2000. The honored President of the society is Roin Metreveli, Academician, and former Rector of Tbilisi State University who provided office for the Society at the 5th building of the University that needs further refurbishment.
2004 is the jubilee year of Wardrops. 85 years have passed after establishment of official diplomatic relations between South Caucasus and the Great Britain when on 30 august Oliver Wardrop arrived in Georgia as an envoy of the Great Britain to South Caucasus.
In 1887, after the first visit to Georgia, Oliver Wardrop published a book titled “Kingdom of Georgia”.
Since then, both brother and sister- Marjory and Oliver Wardrops engaged in intense language study, followed by excellent translations of poems from Georgian into English.
“The main attraction of Georgia is its people. Georgians are not only of charming appearance, but they are very caring, warm-hearted people. They are delightsome, enchanting, engaging, and open-handed people which is a real cure for melancholy and misanthropies, you know what does it mean”, - Oliver Wardrop wrote in his book “Kingdom of Georgia”.
Marjory Wardrop translated from Georgian into English Georgian folk fairy tales, “Wisdom of the Lie” by Sulkhan – Saba Orbeliani, “Hermit” by Illia Chavchavadze and “A Knight in the Tiger’s Skin” by Shota Rustaveli.
Marjory Wardrop departed early in 1909, at the age of 40 with a sudden heart attack. Oliver Wardrop, shortly aftermath, established a fund and a collection of Marjory Wardrop at the Oxford University.
In 1912 the "Asian Kingdom’s Society" issued the most significant works of Marjory Wardrop, translation of “The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin”, which is recognized as the closest translation of the original text among the existed ones.
The study of Georgian language by the Wardrops, created a firm basis for the establishment of political and economic relationships of the UK and Georgia.
The approach of the Wardrops to Georgia was responded by love and trust among Georgians.

-- 2 --
“The existence of the Marjory and Oliver Wardrops Georgia – British friendship society itself supports the strengthening of relations between the two countries thus making them stronger. Notwithstanding lack of funding it is more than four years that we strive to keep our organization active. Even prior to the official establishment of the society on November 26, 1999, we celebrated 130th birthday of Marjory Wardrop. Spheres of the activities of the society are unlimited and support development of political, economic, cultural and even business relations between the two countries” – Teimuraz Rukhadze assured.
In 2002 the Society celebrated Golden jubilee of the Queen Elizabeth II with scientific conference at Tbilisi State University and the concert of English music at State conservatory where diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia were invited. On Sept. 29, 2003 ‘National Tour of Marjory and Oliver Wardrops’ exhibition has been opened at the Ajara State Art Museum. The tour will be held within 5 days in Batumi. It will move to other regions of Georgia afterwards.
Ajara authorities, the delegates of the British Council and Marjory and Oliver Wardrops’ society of Georgia – British friendship attended the exhibition to emphasize the credit of Marjory and Oliver Wardrops in the introduction of Georgian culture to the British society.
“Now we have new Georgian Ambassador to Great Britain Amiran Kavadze. Thanks to him the Georgian Britain Friendship Society was established in Britain during the visit of the President Saakashvili and First Lady to GB. So our counterpart organization has information about our society and the relations will further better. During her visit the First Lady visited aged Nino Wardrop, 89, the only daughter of Oliver Wardrop still alive,” - Teimuraz Rukhadze said.
Late November or early December Marjory and Oliver Wardrops society of Georgia – British friendship is going to hold jubilee dedicated to Wardrops integrating scientific conference and concert. High profile guests are expected to arrive at the celebration.


Teimuraz ruxaZis interviu gazeT “jorjian taimsSi”
gamoqveynebuli 2004 wlis noemberSi.