One of the greatest ever photographic records of human survival is to be exhibited for free at Central Library.
‘Enduring Eye’ is an incredible record of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s exploration of the Antarctic, from 1914-17 – with newly digitised images revealing previously unseen details of the crew’s epic struggle for survival, before and after their ship was destroyed.
The Endurance was completely trapped in ice in early 1915 and sank some ten months later – but all expedition members were successfully rescued, having survived on the floating ice.
Images taken by expedition photographer Frank Hurley were selected and saved from the sinking Endurance by Hurley and Shackleton – and have been preserved from the original, fragile glass plate negatives by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
The plates vividly capture the spirit of endurance, trust, courage and judgement shared by Shackleton and his team. Their extraordinary 800-mile rescue-voyage in little more than a rowing boat, and the survival of the men and photographic plates, remains unsurpassed in Antarctic history.
Enduring Eye – which is free to view, with no booking required – is thefirst major exhibition to be held at Central Library’s new dedicated Exhibition Hall, on the building’s first floor and is linked to the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)’s HLF-funded ‘Shackleton’s Endurance:
Enduring Eye: The Antarctic Legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton and Frank Hurley – 1st Floor Exhibition Hall, Free – Saturday 9 April to Saturday 11 June (free)
