Included here are notices of lectures, conferences and other gatherings or events of Antarctic interest that appeared in 2007 and 2008 in 'Antarctic Events' but are now history.
Last updated: 28 April 2008.
INDEX OF EVENTS (Most recent first):
Spring Meeting OAEA Chapter (19 April 2008. Pelly's 19th Hole, 615 Callahan Road, North Kingston, Rhode Island., USA).
New Zealand On Ice (4 May 2007-30 March 2008. Various venues in New Zealand).
First Across: Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1955-58 (17 January-29 March 2008. Exhibition at Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, UK).
Ships & Snow Goggles: Polar History Inspires Paintings and Sketches by Vincent Alexander Booth (12 January-15 March 2008. Exhibition at Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, UK).
Michael Smith talk at the Devon & Cornwall Polar Group (19 March 2008. New Country Inn, Ivybridge, UK).
SPRI Lectures - Lent Term (9, 23 February and 8, 29 March 2008. Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, UK).
With Scott to the Pole—An Exhibition (8 January-29 February 2008. Royal Geographcal Society, UK).
Voyages to America, Antarctica and Africa 1775-1874 (25 January 2008. University of Exeter, UK). A Hakluyt Society book launch.
Exhibition of Paintings and Drawings from 'The Polar World' by Sir Wally Herbert (25 October-December 2007. Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, UK).
Friends of Scott Polar Research Institute, AGM and talk by Tony Soper (10 November 2007. Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, UK).
7th Annual Shackleton Autumn School (26-29 October 2007. Athy, Ireland).
James Caird Society. AGM and Members' Evening (2 November 2007. Dulwich College, London).
50th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1955-58 (24 October 2007. Royal Geographical Society, London).
Sir Clements Markham (1830-1916): Shining Light or Eminence Grise (18 October 2007. A talk by Ann Savours Shirley, Royal Geographical Society, London).
SPRI Lectures - Michaelmas Term (13 & 27 October and 10 & 24 November 2007. Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, UK).
50 Years of New Zealand in Antarctica 1957-2007 (28-30 September 2007. Christchurch, NZ).
'Tom Crean Antarctic Explorer' (Aidan Dooley) (17 July-9 September 2007. Irish Repertory Theatre, New York City).
Gathering to celebrate the Nimrod's departure from Tourquay (6 August 2007. Torbay Hotel, Torquay, Devon).
Antarctica: 50 Years on The Ice—Just The Tip of The Iceberg (2-6 July 2007. Duxton Hotel, Wellington, NZ).
Freeze Frame: Burning Issues (2-30 June 2007. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich).
Exposition Survivants des Glaces; avec Shackleton vers Le Pôle Sud 1914-1917 (9 December 2006 - 24 June 2007. Centre International de la Mer—Corderie Royale, Rochefort, France).
With Scott to the Pole (5 May - 23 June 2007. Willis Museum, Basingstoke, UK).
Edward Seago's Antarctic Paintings (27 May - 15 June 2007. Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge).
Captain Scott Society—Members' Annual Dinner (12 June 2007. Royal Hotel, Cardiff, Wales.
Antarctic Experience: Life at 75 Degrees South. A Talk by Dr Frank Swinton (5 June 2007. Winchester College, Winchester, Hampshire).
Friends of Scott Polar Research Institute. Summer Lunch (2 June 2007. Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, UK).
Antarctica: The Big Ice (16 December 2006 - May 2007. Otago Museum, Dunedin, NZ).
James Caird Society—Members' Evening and Lecture (11 May 2007. Dulwich College, London).
Terra Nova (20 - 28 April 2007. Port City Playhouse, Alexandria, Virginia).
'With Scott to the Pole' (27 January - 28 April 2007. Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter, Devon, UK).
American Polar Society Symposium (25 - 27 April 2007. Byrd Polar Research Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio).
Echoes in the Ice: Collages of Polar Explorers (27 January - 22 April 2007. Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge, Massachusetts).
Scott's Final Letters Home (17 January - 14 April 2007. Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge).
Craig Potton: Floating on Ice (15 December 2006 - 9 April 2007. Christchurch Art Gallery, Christchurch, NZ).
Conserving Antarctica's Heroic Age of Exploration (27 March 2007. Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth, UK).
Antarctic Witness (16 February - 24 March 2007. Lime Tree Studios, Fort William, Scotland).
SPRI Lectures - Lent Term (10 February - 24 March 2007. Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge).
Cliff Wassmann Paintings in New York (1-5 March 2007. Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York).
Grand Nimrod Ball (16 February 2007. Dulwich College, London).
The Lost Men. Kelly Tyler-Lewis (10 February 2007. Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge).
International Polar Year and Climate Change. James J. McCarthy (6 February 2007. Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge).
Tom Crean—Antarctic Explorer (8-13 January 2007. Olympia Theatre, Dublin).
This touring exhibition developed by Antarctica New Zealand celebrates 50 years of New Zealand's presence in Antarctica. It also marks the International Polar Year 2007-2009.
New Zealand is one of Antarctica's near neighbours and has a long and strong association with the continent. This association encompasses early explorations, cooperation with the United States' Operation Deep Freeze based in Christchurch, research, and Antarctica New Zealand's programmes on environmental management operated from Scott Base. Antarctica is a vast and hostile environment. Images and video footage in New Zealand on Ice set the scene for its spectacular visual appeal. Quotes from artists as well as scientists illustrate the impact the place has on its human visitors. Information panels give a profile of the continent, and background on the treaty that is the basis for the human presence there. Panels also tell the story of New Zealand's activities in Antarctica. They detail the establishment of Scott Base and look at the diverse scientific programmes coordinated from there, particularly in marine biology and geological drilling. An interactive display sets out key findings from research on the "ozone hole". As human society faces the challenges of climate change, New Zealand's involvement in international scientific research in Antarctica will become even more important as efforts to understand this most intriguing of land environments increase. New Zealand On Ice gives visitors a chance to appreciate the continent, and an introduction to the role New Zealand people and organisations play there. The exhibition is presently at Te Papa Museum of New Zealand in Wellington until 29 April 2007. This exhibtion will tour to:New Plymouth (4 May-24 June 2007)Source: http://www.antarctic.org.nz
Palmerston North (29 June-16 September 2007)
Christchurch (21 September-4 November 2007)
Invercargill (9 November-30 December 2007)
Auckland (3 January-3 February 2008)
Dunedin (9 February-30 March 2008)
Ships & Shoes & Snow Goggles: Polar History Inspires Paintings and Sketches by Vincent Alexander Booth (12 January - 15 March 2008)
First Across: Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1955-58 (17 January - 29 March 2008) Both at Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, UK.
The Group will convene at the New Country Inn, Ivybridge, on Wednesday, 19 March 2008. Guest and speaker will be Michael Smith, well known to all Antarcticans. He will speak on Captain Oates.
(5 February 2008)
Public lectures are scheduled at Scott Polar Research Institute for the following dates during Lent Term: 9 & 23 February and 8 & 29 March, 2008.
Source: Polar Bytes, No 45.
(25 November 2007)
9 February 2008 "From Dreams to Reality"—a new museum, museum store and archive for SPRI. Robert Smith Project Manager, SPRI. 23 February 2008 "Whaling films of the busy times at Grytviken." South Georgia Association. The Whaling History of South Georgia. 8 March 2008 "Kayak 66° South." PO Steve Paris-Hunter RN, FRGS. A spactacular and challenging voyage by kayak around James Ross Island in the Antarctic Peninsula. The 29 March lecture is not Antarctic-related.Source: Friends mailing.
An exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society in London from 8 January to 29 February 2008.
(27 January 2008)
Prominent polar historian Ann Shirley will speak at the launch of the new Hakluyt Society title Four Travel Journals: America, Antarctica and Africa 1775-1874 on Friday 25 January 2008 in Exeter.
The program begins at 2:15 p.m. with Dr Shirley's talk (Midshipman Kay's Journal aboard HMS Chanticleer 1828-3 (S. Atlantic & Antarctic) scheduled for 4 p.m. (Capt Richard Campbell will speak at 2:55 p.m. on a non-Antarctic subject. His Hakluyt Society title The Discovery of the South Shetland Islands 1819-1820. The Journal of Midshipman C.W. Poynter was issued by the Society in 2000.) A wine reception will follow from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. The location is Room 128, Amory Building, University of Exeter. The program is part of The Centre for Maritime Historical Studies Seminar Series. Copies of the book will be available for sale. More information may be obtained from the Society's website at www.hakluyt.com.
At Scott Polar Research Institute, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK.
Continuing from 25 October to December 2007.
Source: Polar Bytes, No 45.
(25 November 2007)
The AGM of the Friends of SPRI is scheduled for Saturday, 10 November 2007 at the Institute in Cambridge. The speaker will be Tony Soper.
(9 December 2006)
This always interesting and enjoyable gathering is scheduled for 26-29 October 2007 at the Athy Heritage Centre-Museum in Athy, Co. Kildare, Ireland. The Nimrod expedition celebrates its 100th anniversary. The brochure may be downloaded from www.athyheritagecentre-museum.ie Here are some details:
FRIDAY, 26th OCTOBER7 p.m. Official openng. Kevin Myers. Official launch of 'Nimrod,' the journal of the Ernest Shackleton Autumn School.SATURDAY, 27th OCTOBER
10.30 a.m. Polar Photography. Martin Hartley 12 noon Nimrod and the Shackleton Centenary Expedition. Will Gow 2.30 p.m. Captain Scott — The Explorer as Hero. Max Jones 4.00 p.m. Biographical Dictionary of an Uninhabited Island. David Tatham 8.00 p.m. Autumn School Dinner, Clanard Court Hotel.SUNDAY, 28th OCTOBER
10.00 a.m. Rescued by Penguins — The unsung role of Penguins In Antarctic Exploration. Robert Burton 11.00 a.m. Tin Cans and Auroras — Conserving Antarcticas Heroic Age of Exploration. Nicola Dunn 12 noon The Poles and the Planet . Dr. Rhian Salmon 2.30 p.m. Film "Antarctic Journal"— released in 2005, this South Korean production is a psychological thriller about an expedition trekking across the Antarctic to the Pole of inaccessibility. When they discover a journal from the British expedition of 80 years earlier they begin to notice similarities between the British journey and their own. The film is shown with English subtitles 4.30 p.m. Open Forum, chaired by Bob Headland 9.00 p.m. "Myths and Mask: A showcase of non-stop poetry and music.MONDAY, 29th OCTOBER
10.00 a.m. Bus tour to Shackleton country. ROBERT BURTONCOSTS: Admission to lectures €5. All events inclusive fees which includes the dinner €75. For further information: Tel: 059-8633075. E-mail: athyheritage@eircom.net —Thanks to Seamus Taaffe
Robert Burton is a natural history writer who has been involved with South Georgia for many years. He visited the island for the first time in 1964 and returned in 1971 to study albatrosses and fur seals. From 1995 to 1998, he was director of the museum at Grytviken and started to collect information on the islands history. This included researching the time that Shackleton spent in South Georgia. Bob now visits annually as a lecturer on cruise ships. NICOLA DUNN
Nicola Dunn originally trained as a silversmith and jeweller before studying metals conservation and completed an internship with the Northern Ireland Museums Council in Belfast. Since then she has worked as conservator at the Science Museum in London and is now an Applied Arts Conservator at the Museum in London. Last year she spent nine months overwintering in Antarctica working for the Antarctic Heritage Trust conserving objects from Shackletons exploration hut at Cape Royds. WILL GOW
Will Gow works in the City of London. He has participated in many expeditions and adventures, his most recent being the Third Yukon Arctic Ultra, a self supported non-stop footrace with an eight day cut-off time to run 300 miles at temperatures approaching -50 degrees centigrade. He is the expedition leader of the Shackleton Centenary Expedition 2008 which plans to re-create Shackletons expedition to the farthest south. MARTIN HARTLEY
Martin Hartley is an acclaimed photographer who specialises in documenting the most inaccessible parts of the planet. His work has been published worldwide in international press and journals. His recent commissions include The National Geographic Frankincense Trail (Yemen and Oman) and the Adventure Ecology Top of the World Trans-Arctic Expedition. BOB HEADLAND
Bob is currently Senior Research Associate at the Scott Polar Research Institute of the University of Cambridge. He specialises in the history and geography of both polar regions. His involvement with the Antarctic Heritage Trust concerns the preservation of the historical huts and other sites associated with exploration and discovering the Antarctic. He is the author of the pioneering book Chronological Lists of Antarctic Expeditions that Relate to Historical Events. DR. MAX JONES
Dr. Max Jones was formerly a fellow and director of studies in history at Christ College in Cambridge and is currently a lecturer in modern British history at the University of Manchester. He is the acclaimed author of a number of books including The Last Great Quest (Captain Scott's Antarctic Sacrifice) and recently edited Captain Robert Scott's Journals. DR. RHIAN SALMON
After completing a PhD in atmospheric chemistry Rhian spent three summers and one winter working in Antarctica with the British Antarctic survey. Upon return she was overwhelmed by the beauty of the continent, convinced by the importance of polar research, and disappointed by the huge gulf between scientific knowledge and public awareness of issues of global concern. She now works as Education and Outreach Coordinator for the International Polar Year 2007-08. DAVID TATHAM
David Tatham spent part of his childhood in County Meath and his working life in the British diplomatic service, including a spell in Dublin. In the late 1980s he was responsible for the Falkland Islands and South Georgia in the Foreign Office and he spent three years in Stanley from 1992-95. He has a continuing interest in the South Atlantic and helped to found the Shackleton Scholarship Fund in 1995 and is currently chairman of the Fund. He is the founder of the South Georgia Association and has just completed editing the Dictionary of Falklands Biography which will be published this year. THE ARMAGH RHYMERS
The Armagh Rhymers are one of Irelands most celebrated folk theatre ensembles. The masked tradition of Mumming in Ulster dates back 2,500 years. This tradition finds voice in the work of the Armagh Rhymers. They have delighted audiences all over the world with their unique blend of music, song, drama and dance. They recently represented Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C. The group comprises Dara Vallely, Peter Shortall and Brendan Bailey. SANDRA PETIT FRERE
Sandra Petit Frere was born in Dublin, and has recently moved to Athy from the USA where she lived for the past eight years with her Husband and two children. She has studied portraiture, the oil technique of John Howard, and the pencil technique of Lee Hammond. THE ANTARCTIC ADVENTURERS
The Antarctic adventurers are a group of British re-enactors who specialise in re-creating the world of Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen. They perform regularly for museums and English heritage. They will recreate a three man sledging party of the 1901-1913 period with clothing, sledges and equipment of the type employed by Scott and Shackleton.
Royal Geographical Society, London, UK, Wednesday, 24 October 2007 at 7 p.m.
The Trustees of the Fuchs Foundation invite you to a charity event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1955-58 at the Royal Geographical Society, Kensington Gore, London, Wednesday, 24th October 2007 at 7 p.m. Illustrated Lectures hosted by Tom Heap, Environmental Consultant: Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition - The Last Heroic Age Expedition - Peter Fuchs, son of Sir Vivian Fuchs Antarctic Science To-day - the Legacy of the Trans-Antarctic Expedition - Professor Lloyd Peck of the British Antarctic Survey Afterwards a Reception with refreshments including a glass of wine or soft drink with a Cash bar. Exhibition of memorabilia of the Expedition. We will be wishing bon voyage to the Foundation's first Science and Geography teachers expedition to the Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica, which departs on 3rd November. Tickets for the lectures and reception are available through making a donation to the Foundation by way of the Ticket Application Form. In addition general donations given in advance will be entered into a prize draw. For more information go to www.fuchsfoundation.org or e-mail: peter@fuchsfoundation.org
The Hakluyt Society has announced that "the next E.G.R. Taylor Lecture will be on Thursday, 18 October 2007 at the House of the Royal Geographical Society. It is the turn of that Society to sponsor the lecture for 2007 and it is gratifying that htey have chosen our Vice-President, Dr Ann Savours Shirley, as lecturer. Her subject will be 'Sir Clements Markham (1830-1916): Shining Light of Eminence Grise'."
(9 December 2006)
Public lectures are scheduled at Scott Polar Research Institute for the following dates during Michaelmas Term: 13 & 27 October and 10 & 24 November, 2007.
(10 February 2007)
Commemorative Weekend
Christchurch, New Zealand
The Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 West 22nd Street, New York City, 17 July - 9 September 2007.
Written and performed by Aidan Dooley.
Yet another performance of what has now become an Antarctic classic.
Call 212-727-2737 for details, tickets.
Web: www.irishrep.org
—Thanks to David Stam.
(19 August 2007)
Torbay Hotel, Torquay, Devon, UK, 6 August 2007.
Paul Davies is organizing a gathering "to mark the centenary of the Nimrod's departure from Torquay. A small group of enthusiasts will be raising a glass in the bar of the Torbay Hotel from 8pm during the evening of 6 August 2007."
Torquay was the Nimrod's point of departure from the UK. A Farewell Dinner was held on the evening of the 6th at the Torbay Hotel and the ship sailed the following day.
For further information, ring Paul at 01548 561798
Source: James Caird Society Newsletter, Issue 13.
(30 May 2007)
Duxton Hotel, Wellington, New Zealand, 2-6 July 2007.
Antarctica New Zealand and the Royal Society of New Zealand are proud to announce a conference celebrating 50 years of New Zealand's involvement in the Antarctic. The conference aims to present the successes of the past (International Geophysical Year to present day) and enthuse New Zealand about its future in Antarctica.
A 5-week polar lecture series at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, UK. Saturdays, 2-30 June 2007. Hours: 15-17.30. Cost: £30/£20. Bookings 020 8312 8560
'Are we at the beginning of an unprecedented era of international co-operation, or are we living in an Edwardian summer of reckless denial? Is it the beginning, or the end of the beginning?' Ian McEwan. The National Maritime Museum celebrates International Polar Year 2007 with an engaging programme of events including an exhibition of pioneering polar photography, a polar film season and this series of talks by explorers, artists, historians and scientists. Covering cultural, social, environmental and historical responses to the polar regions, the talks aim to uncover this fast-disappearing and final imaginary place on Earth. The polar regions are simultaneously transient and ancient. Each week they will be explored from a different perspective: cultural commentators and ecologists will engage in the burning issue of climate change; historians will discuss empire-building and notions of heroism through the characters of Scott, Amundsen and Franklin; anthropologists will highlight the cultural and contemporary concerns of indigenous communities and explorers will discuss their experiences. This series of significant and timely dialogues is presented by leading international cultural, scholarly and scientific visionaries. Hugh Brody: internationally recognized scholar, anthropologist, land claims researcher, policy advisor, film maker, Canadian Research Chair in Aboriginal Studies and Honorary Associate of the Scott Polar Research Institute. Kari Herbert: daughter of the great explorer Sir Wally Herbert, the first undisputed man to walk to the North Pole. Kari lived with her parents among one of the last surviving tribes of traditional Inuit hunters. She has travel extensively ever since and in 2002 she returned to explore her Arctic roots alone. She is a writer, broadcaster and photographer. David Buckland: designer, artist, film-maker. Creator and Director of the Cape Farewell Project whose aim is to bring artists, scientists and educators together to address and raise awareness of climate change. Klaus Dodds: Professor of Geopolitics, Royal Holloway, University of London and author of books including Global Geopolitics: A Critical Introduction (2005) and Pink Ice: Britain and the South Atlantic Empire (2002). Professor Andrew Lambert: Laughton Professor of Naval History, Department of War Studies, King's College London. Maxwell Jones: Lecturer in Modern British History, University of Manchester, author of Last Great Quest: Captain Scott's Antarctic Sacrifice (2003) and editor of Journals: Captain Scott's Last Expedition (2005). Tor Bomann-Larsen: Norwegian biographer of Roald Amundsen. Sara Wheeler: journalist and first foreigner to join the American National Science Foundation's Antarctic Artists' and Writers' Programme. Author of Cherry: A Life of Apsley Cherry-Garrard (2002). Associated exhibit:
"I'm glad to introduce you the next exhibition of the Centre International de la Mer—Corderie Royale, in the city of Rochefort (France). You will find a first presentation in the notice following the message (in French for the moment, the notice in English will be available soon).
You may be interested in the character and the polar adventure that we are going to show in our exhibition from December 9th [2006] to June 24th [2007] since it will tell Sir Ernest Shackleton's tremendous expedition to the South Pole.
The opening of the exhibition will be celebrated on December 13th at 6 pm, invitations on demand.
Thank you for promoting this exhibition around you. Do not hesitate to join me for further information or visit our website: www.corderie-royale.com"
—From an email from the corderie-royale.com
(11 December 2006)
With Scott to the Pole displays 30 photographs of Scott's ill-fated expedition to Antarctica 1910-1913. It reveals the beauty of the Antarctic icescape, captures everyday moments from baking bread to a visit to the expedition barber, alongside the final fateful push to the pole. 'Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of hardihood, endurance and courage which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale...' Captain Scott.
A Royal Geographical Society with IBG, Photographic Exhibition, 5 May - 23 June, 2007, at the Willis Museum, Market Place, Basingstoke, Hampshihre, UK. Web: http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/willis/index.html
SPRI is restaging the 2005 exhibition of the Antarctic paintings of Edward Seago. At Bonhams New Bond Street Gallery from Sunday 27 May to Friday 15 June 2007. This exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's tour of hte Antarctic and is being staged in support of the SPRI Appeal. For further information see the Bonhams site at www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?sContinent=EUR&screen=eventsDetail
Source: Polar Bytes, No 43.
(30 May 2006)
The Society's Annual Dinner is to be held, as always, on 12 June, which in 2007 is a Tuesday. Captain Scott Room, Royal Hotel, Cardiff.
(8 April 2006)
The Summer Lunch of the Friends of SPRI is scheduled for Saturday, 2 June 2007 at SPRI. A sherry reception and book sale started at 12 noon, followed at 12:45 by the lunch. The 'Antarctic Adventurers' will perform at 2:30 followed by a Dog Sledging presentation. Tickets are £20 per person. For information or tickets contact Mrs. C. Packard, Friends of SPRI, ScottPolar Research Institute, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1ER..
(9 December 2006)
This exhibition opens on 16 December 2006 and runs until May 2007. Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin, NZ.
Cool down this summer at Antarctica in Dunedin! "Otago Museum's outstanding summer exhibition Antarctica : The Big Ice captures the true essence of the world's southernmost continent. Be captivated by the Antarctic aesthetic, delve into the history, discover the science, contemplate the politics and explore with the heroes. Most of all, be inspired by the last great wilderness. See sledges used by Scott and Shackleton on their courageous expeditions and take a close look at the ice axe Sir Edmund Hillary used to carve steps in the polar plateau as he as he lead his team to the South Pole. Try out a polar tent for size, ride a skidoo or dress yourself for an Antarctic expedition. Review evidence of the geological relationships between Antarctica and New Zealand with some outstanding fossil finds. Meet some examples of the wildlife of the big ice including an Emperor Penguin presented following Shackleton's 1909/10 expedition. Discover the extremes of Earth's most important scientific laboratory; the incredible coping methods of the animal and plant life, the phenomenon behind awesome and pristine ice free dry valleys, and why Antarctic life models that of planet Mars! Investigate a range of international scientific research programmes aimed at knowing more about how and why, and what both the search for and the answers can mean for the future. Commemorating 50 years of New Zealand's presence in Antarctica, International Polar Year and Scott Base's 50th Birthday, Antarctica : The Big Ice celebrates our strong relationships, past, present and future with earth's most extreme land. Be inspired by the beauty and grandeur of this engaging exhibition and take the opportunity to experience the first significant exhibition of the photography of Grahame Sydney from his recent visits south, along with a taste of the inspired works from a variety of New Zealand artists. Made possible with the support and talents of Imagelab and Antarctica New Zealand, the Otago Museum is proud to have designed and produced this exhibition, which starts its life in Dunedin before touring to other communities around New Zealand. An excellent range of community programmes will run in conjunction with this breathtaking exhibition. Plan your journey today! Opening 16 December 2006, Special Exhibitions Gallery, FREE!" —From the Museum's website: otagomuseum.govt.nz/antarctica_the_big_ice.html—Thanks to Dave Robertson
The Society's spring members' evening is to be held on Friday 11 May
2007 at Dulwuch College, London. 6:30 pm. Cost: £30. John Gimlette will give a lecture entitled "A Theatre of Fish." This will be followed by dinner in the North Cloister and Lower Hall.
For information contact Pippa Hare, The James Caird Society, Fig Tree Cottage, High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EN, UK.
(21 April 2007)
'Terra Nova,' Ted Tally's play focusing on Captain Scott, is now having a run at the Port City Playhouse, Lee Center for the Performing Arts, 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. General information: PortCityInfo@aol.com or (703) 838-2880. Web: www.PortCityPlayhouse.com
The production opened on 13 April. Future performances, all at 8pm, are set for 20, 21, 24, 27 and 28 April 2007.
This RGS exhibition of Herbert Ponting's photographs will be at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, UK, 27 January – 28 April, 2007. www.exeter.gov.uk
—Thanks to UKAHT.
(9 December 2006)
The APS returns to the Byrd Polar Research Institute at Ohio State
University for a symposium, April 25 – 27, 2007. The theme is U.S. Science and Policy: Celebrating IGY (1957-1958) and Planning IPY (2007-2009). This will be a joint meeting, sponsored by the Byrd Polar Research Center, the Polar Archival Program, the American Polar Society and the John Glenn School of Public Affairs. For further information, go to http://www-bprc.mps.ohio-state.edu/workshops/aps_2007
You can also check the APS's new website for information: http://www.ampolarsociety.org/ann_symposium.html
(30 December 2006)
4:30pm Wexner Center on Main CampusThursday, April 26, 2007, 240 Scott Hall, OSU West Campus
Phil Smith [Historical Development of IGY and IPY] 5:30pm Reception at Page Hall, OSU Main Campus
8:00-9:15am Pick up participants at the Holiday Inn on the Lane and bring them to Scott Hall on West Campus, and Registration at Scott Hall 9:15-9:30am Welcome and Opening Remarks Berry Lyons & John Behrendt 9:30-10:10am John Behrendt [IGY Traverse Program from the Perspective of a Graduate Student] 10:10-10:50am Henry Brecher [Wintering at Byrd Station, Antarctica, 1959-61] 10:50-11:15am Break 11:15-11:55am Charlie Bentley [IGY Traverse] 11:55AM-1:00pm Lunch 1:00-1:30pm Authors of Books 1:30-2:30pm Book Signing Event 2:30-3:10pm Susan Adie [Antarctic Tourism—Past and Future Trends] 3:10-3:50pm Dick Bowers [Military Support of Science Initiatives During IGY] 3:50pm Buses back to the Holiday Inn on the Lane Dinner on your own 7:00pm Educational Outreach Seminar Series about Global Warming at Scott Hall [Participants are invited to attend this event, although it is not officially part of the symposium.]Friday, 27 April 2007, 240 Scott Hall, OSU West Campus
8:00-9:30am APS Board Meeting In Scott Hall 8:30-9:30am Pick up participants at the Holiday Inn on the Lane and bring them to Scott Hall on West Campus 9:45-9:55am Opening Remarks and Announcements Rai Goerler 9:55-10:35am David H. Bromwich [Antarctic Weather Forecasting: From IGY to IPY] 10:35-11:15am David Carlson [International Aspects of IPY] 11:15am-12:30pm Lunch 12:30-1:10pm Mary Albert [Current U.S. IPY Initiatives] 1:10-1:25pm IGY Newsreel, President Opens International Geophysical Year (Fox Movietone News) 1:25-2:05pm Dian Belanger [Operation Deep Freeze] 2:05-2:45pm W. Berry Lyons [Arctic Observing Networks for the IPY and Beyond] 2:45-3:00pm Break 3:00-3:40pm Robert Rutford [IGY Geology] 3:40-4:20pm Ted Scambos and Clarence Novak [Byrd Snow Cruiser] 4:20-4:50pm Concluding Remarks John Behrendt 4:50pm Bus Service back to the Holiday Inn on the Lane 6:30-7:00pm Cash-bar Reception at the Holiday Inn on the Lane 7:00-8:00pm Banquet at the Holiday Inn on the Lane 8:15-9:15pm After-Dinner Presentation by Chuck Kennicutt [SCAR Initiatives]
Lynn Everett — everett.2@osu.edu; Ph: (614) 292-9909
Laura Kissel — kissel.4@osu.edu; Ph: (614) 688-8173
Lynn Lay — lay.1@osu.edu; Ph: (614) 292-6715
Rik van Glintenkamp's polar collages will be exhibited at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge, Massachusetts, from 27 January through 22 April, 2007.
"Opening January 27, 2007, Echoes in the Ice offers a unique look at the aspirations, motivations and experiences that have shaped heroic and sometimes eccentric Arctic and Antarctic explorers, from 16th century privateer Martin Frobisher to Captain Cook, Roald Amundsen, and Admiral Byrd. Inspired by film montage and web design, visual artist and filmmaker Rik van Glintenkamp melds archival imagery, original writings and reproductions of personal memorabilia into mixed-media collages of polar explorations spanning almost four centuries. The work is a dynamic visual experience that has informed and awed audiences throughout the United Kingdom, Germany, and North America.—From a press release sent by the the Harvard Museum of Natural History. (9 December 2006)Echoes in the Ice 30 different explorers—both notable and little known. "Their fascinating stories will resonate for all of us who dream of voyages to unfamiliar places and what we will find there," says Harvard Museum of Natural History Executive Director Elisabeth Werby. Navigators, naval officers, doctors, pirates, and even artists of various nationalities and backgrounds were among those who charted and explored the harshest and farthest reaches of the planet utilizing undependable and relatively primitive technologies. Van Glintenkamp's collages create rich and varied portraits that chronicle successes, failures, narrow escapes, and dramatic deaths. Taken alone, each work is a window into the mind of an extraordinary individual. Together, they trace the dramatic history of polar exploration.
Rik van Glintenkamp is an accomplished New York photographer who has directed films for PBS, music videos, and whose photography has appeared regularly in Glamour, Elle, Seventeen, British Vogue, and other magazines. Echoes in the Ice is the culmination of a lifelong fascination with polar exploration that began at the age of 7.
Echoes in the Ice is part of the HMNH's celebration of International Polar Year 2007-2008, a concerted worldwide effort to advance scientific knowledge and interest in the polar regions and how they affect global climate systems.
Opening Saturday, January 27, 2007, Echoes in the Ice will be on view at the Harvard Museum of Natural History through April 22, 2007. The artist will offer gallery talks on January 26 at 11:00am and 4:00pm and on January 27 at 10:00am. Please call 617 495 2773 to reserve.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History is located at 26 Oxford Street, a short walk from the Harvard Square T station. The Museum is handicapped accessible. For general information please call 617 495 3045 or visit www.hmnh.harvard.edu
Echoes in the Ice contains images and items donated by NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Byrd Polar Research Center at The Ohio State University.
An exhibit at Scott Polar Research Institute, 17 January – 14 April 2007, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK.
"This new exhibition centres on the final message written by Captain Scott to his wife and son—on public display for the first time. Descendants of the famous explorer have donated the correspondence between Scott and his wife, the sculptress Kathleen, to the Scott Polar Research Institute Museum. The collection also includes letters sent by his wife and his young son, who was just learning to write at the time of his father's doomed expedition to the South Pole. Three-year-old Peter sent two messages to his father as his mother anxiously awaited news of Scott's return in 1912. One says: "Dear Daddy I am going to be a drummer" and the other simply "I love you". Tragically, the little boy's letters never reached his father—Scott and his fellow-explorers had already succumbed to extreme frostbite, malnutrition and exhaustion as they fought their way across the Antarctic. For the first time, scholars and members of the public will also be able to examine Scott's own, deeply moving final letter home. Dated March 1912 and addressed "To my widow", the document was found in his tent when the team's bodies were recovered in 1913. Scott wrote it on scraps of his journal over a period of days as he and his companions tried to battle their way back from the Pole in blizzard conditions and unimaginable cold. At the start of 1912 they had arrived at the Pole only to discover that the Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen, had already attained the Pole a month earlier. As they began the long and demoralising journey back, very bad weather set in. Despite valiant claims in the letter that he and his companions were "full of good health and vigour", the desperate nature of the group's situation soon became clear. In one passage, Scott told Kathleen: "Dear, it is not easy to write because of the cold—70 degrees below zero and nothing but the shelter of our tent. You know I have loved you; you know my thoughts must have constantly dwelt on you . . . the worst aspect of this situation is that I shall not see you again—the inevitable must be faced." As the position became more hopeless, Scott began to consider how his family would cope. The letter reveals that he encouraged his wife to re-marry, partly for the sake of their young son. "When the right man comes to help you in life you ought to be your happy self again," he wrote. "I wouldn't have been a very good husband, but I hope I shall be a good memory. Certainly the end is nothing for you to be ashamed of and I like to think that the boy will have a good start in parentage of which he may be proud." Scott and his remaining two companions were just 11 miles short of their supply depot when they finally perished. Many of his final thoughts concerned Peter and he encouraged Kathleen to try to make him interested in natural history. "It is better than games," he commented, before adding: "Try and make him believe in a God; it is comforting." Sir Peter Scott, as he became, did indeed follow in his father's footsteps, first by serving with distinction in the Royal Navy and, after World War II, by pursuing a celebrated career in ornithology. Now his widow, Lady Philippa Scott, has given the letters to the Scott Polar Research Institute, which was established in memory of Captain Scott and his team. The gift means that Cambridge now houses the complete collection of Scott's correspondence, which includes more than 300 letters. These will be kept in the Institute, which also houses the explorer's famous journal and numerous other artefacts from his ill-fated expedition, including food and expedition equipment. Institute Director, Professor Julian Dowdeswell, said: "We are tremendously grateful to the family for this generous gift, without which Scott's final and most poignant letters might easily have been lost to a private collector. Instead they will prove invaluable in enabling us to continue our historic role as an international centre for the study of the Polar regions." Source: www.spri.cam.ac.uk/events/exhibitions/scottletters/(27 January 2007)
Craig Potton, one of New Zealand's most successful nature photographers, displays for the first time his photography of Antarctica's sublime Ross Ice Shelf. Tait Electronics Antarctica Gallery, Christchurch Art Gallery / Te Puna O Waiwhetu, Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, Christchurch, NZ, 15 December 2006–9 April 2007.
—From the Gallery's website www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz
(20 December 2006)
A free 'drop-in' talk by Nicola Dunn on Tuesday, 27 March 2007, at 1:10 pm at the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.
"Nicola Dunn, Conservator at the Museum of London, spent nine months working at New Zealand's Scott Base in Antarctica where she conserved objects from the historic huts left behind by the expeditions of Scott and Shackleton. She will talk about the sites of the huts and their evocative contents, from tinned food to leather boots—looking at how the challenging climate affects their survival and the conservation treatments used to prolong their life." Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AJ, UK. —Thanks to Jonathan Wilson.
Another RGS exhibition, this one of Frank Hurley's photographs will be at the Lime Tree Studios, Achintore Road, Fort William, Scotland, 16 February – 24 March, 2007. www.limetreefortwilliam.co.uk/events.htm
"Including a lecture programme and full size replica of the James Caird—the boat in which Shackelton led his men to safety.
This exhibition will be running during the Fort William Mountain Festival and events will be held at the Lime Tree."
—Thanks to UKAHT.
(9 December 2006)
SPRI Public Lecture Series (only Antarctic lectures included here)
The lectures are in the Scott Polar Research Institute, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1ER (telephone 01223 336540). They are open to all and are free except for those otherwise indicated. Seats may be reserved, on request, for Friends of the Institute. The Institute opens half an hour before lectures begin. Please arrive in time as for safety reasons (as well as for the benefit of the lecturer and audience) anyone arriving after the theatre is darkened may not be admitted. The Friends serve light refreshments after the lectures. Car parking in the Institute's grounds is inadequate for the number of cars used by those attending lectures. Owing to fire brigade regulations visitors are requested not to park other than in the designated spaces. There is a multi-storey car park about 400 m west of the Institute and local street parking is usually easy on Saturday evenings. Saturday 27 January 2007 at 20:00 (doors open 19:30). Non-Antarctic. Jean de Pomereu
"Artexpo New York, one of the most comprehensive events of its kind for both art industry professionals and consumers, will feature the works of Cliff Wassmann during its 2007 show, being held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City from March 1—March 5 [2007], Artexpo has been defining popular art for more than a quarter century, and is eagerly anticipated by art dealers, publishers and private collectors. International Artexpo is the highlight of the spring season and draws tens of thousands of qualified buyers and art enthusiasts to view its collections each year.
Wassmann Fine Arts will delight the anticipated 40,000 attendees with its newest collection that features over 20 original oil paintings of Antarctica. Wassmann hopes that this new series of paintings, which will be featured at the New York Art Expo to mark the beginning of International Polar Year (IPY), will raise awareness of the threat posed by these changes. Based on his photographs taken of the Antarctic Peninsula, the paintings depict not only the glaciers and icebergs but also the whales, penguins and other marine life that thrive in this unique ecosystem. IPY is an initiative that brings together over 20,000 scientists and educators to study and raise awareness the public to realize just how much the cold ends of the sphere we all live on really do influence us. Trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the nations oldest art school in Philadelphia, Wassmann has developed a highly realistic style using oil paints on masonite panels. The panels allow for beautiful blends and ease in applying the final details that make Wassmann's work unique. His realist style harkens back to the 19th century realists that journeyed from the east coast to the unexplored western part of the country. They returned with stunning paintings of places that had never been seen before. While the world is much smaller now Antarctica is still a mysterious place, with less than 20,000 tourists a year traveling there during the brief 4-month period when the waters are ice-free enough to travel safely. Granted, we have photography and movies to bring this place into our living rooms now but paintings can bring out the feeling of an environment in ways that photographic technology cannot. "We are so pleased to have the work of Cliff Wassmann with us this year," says Eric Smith, vice president of show producer, the International Art & Framing Group. "People from all over the world will be in attendance to view the wonderful works of art from thousands of artists who have been helping Artexpo define popular art for more almost 30 years. Among our numerous attendees will be galleries, art dealers, interior designers, distributors and general art enthusiasts looking for great pieces to collect or to use to decorate their homes and offices." The 2007 Artexpo promises to be the show of a lifetime, bringing together more than 2,400 artists featuring a wide range of traditional and contemporary paintings, posters, photography, sculpture, prints, frames, decorative art and more. A highlight of the event is the seminar program that offers great insights into artwork, techniques, ways to display and care for your art, and other numerous topics. In addition, a series of special events promises to excite exhibitors and attendees alike."
The James Caird Society is planning a Grand Nimrod Ball for Friday, 16 February 2007 in the Great Hall at Dulwich College. Dinner. Dancing to Chris & David Stark. 7 for 7:30pm. Tickets: £110 double, £60 single. Black tie. Proceeds to the Shackleton Centenary Expedition, 2008.
(9 December 2006)
For further information contact Pippa Hare, Fig Tree Cottage, High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EN, UK.
(8 January 2007)
Presentation and booksigning by Kelly Tyler-Lewis. Saturday, 10 February 2007 at 3:00 pm. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. Web: www.hmnh.harvard.edu
"The historic voyae of Sir Ernest Shackleton to Antarctica aboard the Endurance has been well-documented. Yet few know about his supply team, the Ross Sea Party, which sailed to the opposite side of the continent to support his crossing with food and fuel—and met disaster along the way. Historian Kelly Tyler-Lewis will discuss their story of survival."
(29 January 2007)
Lecture by James J. McCarthy. Tuesday, 6 February 2007 at 6:00 pm. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 24 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. Web: www.hmnh.harvard.edu
"International Polar Year 2007-2008 is an important opportunity to understand climate change and its implications. Harvard professor Jim McCarthy will discuss data spanning the last few decades, which have shown that portions of the Arctic and Antarctic are warming much faster than the average for the entire planet."
(29 January 2007)
Aidan Dooley's one-man show on Tom Crean is set to run at the Olympia Theatre, 72 Dame Street, Dublin, 8-13 January 2007
"a remarkable and uplifting piece of theatre, gives everything and asks nothing." Sunday Independent
Winner of Fringe First in Edinburgh 2006
Best Solo performance award winner—New York International Fringe Festival 2003
Best Actor nomination—Dublin Fringe Festival 2003
Aidan Dooley's award winning one-man play tells the heroic tale of Tom Crean (1877-1938), the intrepid, Irish Antarctic explorer and the only man to serve with Scott and Shackleton on three famous expeditions: —Discovery, (1901-1904); Terra Nova (1910-1913); and Endurance (1914-1916).
Written and performed my Dooley the story, a testament of human fortitude against all the elements of Antarctica, is brought to life in this dramatic solo performance. Crean's thirty-six mile solitary trek to base camp during the Terra Nova expedition to rescue his comrades Teddy Evans and William Lashly; has been described by Antarctic historians as "the finest feat of individual heroism from the entire age of exploration". He was subsequently awarded the Albert Medal for his bravery.
Tickets from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide 24 Hrs: 0818 719 300
Buy on line: www.ticketmaster.ie
Mon 8th: €20.00
Tue 9th - Thurs 11th: €20.00, €25.00, €30.00
Fri 12th & Sat 13th: €25.00, €27.50, €32.50 (All prices include booking fee)
—Thanks to Brendan Dixon
(11 December 2006)