The George Kelson Forum

Hi Stewart: How was the turkey book made? Was some sort of wire used to hold the feathers in or? And were there only two pages, or have I missed something? This site is fabulous! Thanks, Frank

Hi: Frank Dalziel from the Pacific Coast of Canada. I live in a rain shadow of the true West Coast of Vancouver Island, so not as wet as it is in Tofino or Vancouver. I am a long-time fly fisher and tyer and first learned to tie Classics in my late teens and early 20’s. Back then, I had to lear

John Taylor, Some know some don't. I tie and collect vintage flies,when i can get time. Love salmon trout and Grayling fishing. My main vintage and tying collection interest is in the small flies, ie Size1, and below, especially when you get Size 6, and down. Tying in hand, my go to when tying vinta

Some of Kelson's items are identified as coming from the Natural History Museum - he must have had a 'friend'.

..a famously dangerous East End haunt where exotic birds could be purchased http://www.eastendreview.co.uk/2014/06/09/club-row-market/

Does anyone have any more information about this feather market in Paris where Kelson sourced exotic and dyed feathers. This is a shot of Rue Monsigny today ..it's location close to the Opera house may have been significant as a purveyor of 'Plumes'

Please feel free to make recommendations, add wishes etc. - for site improvement in this section. Thanks Stuart

The challenges out there...here is an example of some items I have just received that came via somebody else from the Cheffin's buyer...implying ..as was his way ..that they came from the collection...so what can we say. The Bronze Mallard is tied in similar bunches as some others in the collection

Hello everyone! Seems like familiar faces here. Looking forward to the esoteric banter about to ensue. While GMK’s tying and book is fairly well established/known, I’d like to perhaps uncover more about the larger-than-life man himself!

An interesting comparative article on bird prices over time https://britishbirds.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/article_files/V36/V36_N07/V36_N07_P122_131_A025.pdf

I can highly recommend this book to give insight into how people like Kelson sourced their rare specimens.Interestingly it would appear that one of the reasons Kelson travelled to Paris was that the 'Plume Trade' was outlawed in London during his time and supplies probably started to dry up.

Honestly I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of Kelson but he is such a huge part of the history of tying classic salmon flies that you cannot help but appreciate all that he has brought to the table. I hope to learn more about the man and more so about the vintage materials he used. I am

Yes, I live in Florida and chase snook, redfish and the occasional tarpron. My roots and soul, however, are in the spring creeks, free stones and salmon rivers of the NE USA. I retired from my corporate career and have since morphed into a professional bamboo rod maker, fly tier and have a specia

My main area of interest is dyeing materials. I especially like to work with dubbing but I'm starting to experiment with dyeing feathers.

I am looking forward to participating here. I have lots to learn! I very much appreciate you sharing the collection with the world Stu! Cheers, Marc

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/09/25/the-eternal-seductive-beauty-of-feathers

Hello every 1 Started my journey to unknown with bit of knowledge by reading Finnish fly fishing gazettes for over 20 years! Just under 1 year now i have been tying Classics! My passion is Searun fishing in finnish gulf! I have gathered some vintage stuff but not much and i am very keen of history a

The Forum is sectioned into categories for your enjoyment, and focuses on all topics related to George Kelson and items attributed to Fane & Kelson on this site. Contribution, insight and comment is encouraged as are pictures of your own Kelson flies. However please remain civil and treat others as