The British Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913 - Exhibition of the Photographic Pictures...

First Edition, 25pp., 8 photographic plates, final ad. leaf present, original wrappers printed in red, ads to covers, marginal toning to front wrapper, 8vo., London, The Fine Art Society, [1914]

Herbert G. Ponting (1870-1935), explorer and photographer who captured some of the most enduring images of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.

After working in Asia and the United States, Ponting was invited to join the Antarctic expedition by Scott, the first professional photographer to be hired for a polar expedition. After his Discovery expedition, Scott realised the importance of good photographic images for fund-raising and publicising the achievements of the expedition. The artist brought back with him nearly 2,000 photographic negatives, as well as several films.

In March 1912 Ponting left the Antarctic, according to previously-laid plans. Ponting was greatly affected by the loss of the polar party and dedicated the rest of his life and career to ensuring their heroism would never be forgotten. After his return to Britain, Ponting exhibited his work and lectured widely about Scott, thus ensuring that his photographs became inextricably linked with Scott and the heroic age of Antarctic exploration.

“a truthful and vivid insight into the manner in which the great Polar Expedition has been conducted, but is also a liberal contribution to the sum of human knowledge, and has a value both personal, historic, artistic and scientific.”

A rare exhibition catalogue and invaluable for the documentation of Ponting’s photographs.