Antarctica in Pictures: The Heart of the Great Alone
Having blogged about it on more than one occasion last year, last weekend I finally made it to the excellent Heart of the Great Alone photography exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. If like me you’ve been procrastinating, click here and book your ticket today! Although many of the images are already very familiar, having seen countless reproductions in various books, brochures and magazine articles, it is an altogether different experience to see them together as a complete collection, providing a full visual narrative of what were arguably among two of the greatest journeys ever undertaken by man.
First is Ponting’s stunning record of the British Antarctic Expedition 1910-13, which details the daily lives of Scott’s men as they prepared for the race to the South Pole. The final poignant images were taken by Bowers and Wilson, having been trained by Ponting to ensure the arrival at the South Pole was captured on film. These images show Scott and his dejected men at the Pole, an amazing achievement in itself yet undermined by the presence of Amundsen’s own tent and the Norwegian flag which were waiting to greet them. The pictures taken here clearly show the five men were beaten physically, mentally and emotionally, and the tragic end to their journey seems almost inevitable from that point.
Shackleton’s Endurance expedition of 1914-16 was photographed by Frank Hurley. Whereas Ponting wanted to create artistic images to show the scale and grandeur of the Great White Continent, Hurley’s aim was to record a more practical documentary-style collection that would give the world an insight into life in the Antarctic. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t take some equally spectacular images – it would be hard not to when surrounded by such breathtaking icy landscapes. Again, to see all these photos in sequence, to watch bit by bit the destruction and final sinking of the Endurance as it was crushed by pack ice, and the deterioration of the men as they made their way to Elephant Island, really brings this incredible story to life. Sadly Hurley had to destroy a vast number of his images as the men could only carry limited equipment with them after the ship was lost; the fact that any of these incredible pictures survived at all is a miracle and a testament to the sheer determination of these men who refused to give up hope despite the bleak situation in which they found themselves.
The exhibition ends in a very fitting manner, with Scott’s last words spoken against a backdrop of the Union Jack that travelled to the South Pole and was found in the tent with the bodies of Scott, Wilson and Bowers. Overall the exhibition is a surprisingly moving experience, and one I can’t recommend enough – and especially now, during the Centenary of Scott’s journey to the South Pole.
'The Heart of the Great Alone' exhibition at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, runs until 15 April 2012. Tickets from £7.50 per adult.
Posted on January 9, 2012 in Antarctica , culture , Current Affairs , events , History , Photography , Science , Ships , Travel | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Antarctica Day: 01 December
Next Thursday, 1st December marks 52 years since the signing of the Antarctic Treaty – created "with the interests of science, and the progress of all mankind." Antarctica is not owned by any country and the Treaty is a testimony to international cooperation for the benefit of all. The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) in conjunction with the Foundation for the Good Governance of International Spaces have therefore designated 1st December ‘Antarctica Day’ and will be holding an interactive webinar to celebrate this important anniversary.
With the Centenary of the first man to set foot at the South Pole fast approaching, and our very own Nikki Rickett about to head south yet again for another austral summer (this time on board the luxury vessel Orion), the Antarctic season is now well and truly upon us! Take advantage of some late availability offers and book your own polar adventure now!
Posted on November 25, 2011 in Antarctica , Current Affairs , events , History , Travel | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Great Scott! - Antarctica in Black & White
As the Scott Centenary celebrations draw to a climax over the next few months, the Heart of the Great Alone exhibition finally arrives in London this week. Whilst the Queen is busy gallivanting around Australia, Buckingham Palace welcomes this incredible collection of photographs taken during historic Antarctic expeditions led by the legendary Scott and Shackleton. This unique insight into the experiences of our polar explorers includes images from Scott’s Terra Nova expedition of 1910–13 and Shackleton’s Endurance expedition of 1914–16.
We certainly don't want to miss this rare opportunity to view such a personal account of their journeys both physical and emotional through the world's harshest landscapes, but if you're not able to get to Buckingham Palace before the exhibition ends in April then perhaps have a quiet word with Santa instead - if you're lucky, you'll find a copy of the accompanying book in your stocking on Christmas morning!
And if you've been really good this year, Santa might also treat you to another great new book, hot off the press this week: the excellent 'The Lost Photographs of Captain Scott' features Scott's own photographs, taken during his final Antarctic expedition 100 years ago. A truly fascinating record of an epic journey and an inspirational man.
'The Heart of the Great Alone' exhibition at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, runs from 21 October 2011 – 15 April 2012. Tickets from £7.50 per adult.
The accompanying book, 'The Heart of the Great Alone: Scott, Shackleton and Antarctic Photography' by David Hempleman-Adams, Sophie Gordon and Emma Stuart (Royal Collection Publications), is available in hardback at £29.95.
And finally, 'The Lost Photographs of Captain Scott' by David M Wilson, published by Little, Brown, is on sale now for £30. Enjoy!
Posted on October 26, 2011 in Antarctica , Books , Current Affairs , events , History , Photography , Ships , Travel | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Insights into our Frozen Planet
Here in the DTW office we’re getting very excited about the latest Sir David Attenborough series, Frozen Planet, coming to a tv near you soon!
This much-anticipated series on BBC1 will provide an in-depth exploration of all things polar, following the struggle for survival in both the Arctic and Antarctic throughout the four seasons. From the North Pole to the South Pole, via ice camps and the historic huts of legendary polar explorers, Attenborough brings his usual enthusiasm to some incredible footage of arguably some of the world’s most appealing creatures including the mighty polar bear and endlessly entertaining penguins.
Other highlights of the 7-part series will include a look at the fascination the polar regions hold for human visitors, and our impact on these fragile environments. You can find out more and whet your appetite with some preview clips from the series here.
Posted on October 18, 2011 in Antarctica , Arctic , Birdwatching , Current Affairs , Environment , History , Television , Travel , Wildlife | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
