SCHWEITZER ALBERT: (1875-1965) Alsatian Theologian, Musician, Philosopher & Physician, Nobel Peace P

SCHWEITZER ALBERT: (1875-1965) Alsatian Theologian, Musician, Philosopher & Physician, Nobel Peace P

SCHWEITZER ALBERT: (1875-1965) Alsatian Theologian, Musician, Philosopher & Physician, Nobel Peace Prize winner 1952. An unusual hemp table mat, with unwoven borders, featuring an ink illustration of an antelope to the centre and with the red ink initials ASB to the upper right corner, signed and inscribed by Schweitzer to the left, in French, remarking that the antelopes and staff of the hospital are regretfully watching the departure of Guy Barthelemy, although console themselves with the hope of seeing him return to their home in the future. Schweitzer has added the names of seven antelopes before signing his own name, further adding the place and date, Lambarene, May 1951, in his hand. At the base of the mat appear eleven further signatures, presumably those of the hospital staff. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG

In 1952 Guy Barthelemy founded the French Association of the Friends of Albert Schweitzer (AFAAS) in Paris. The organisation remains active to this day, continuing to promote the humanitarian work Schweitzer began.