Frank Hurley's Antarctica: 'Endurance' - A Talk by Alasdair McGregor

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Frank Hurley was no ordinary photographer- his legacy is bound to that of Ernest Shackleton, the infamous polar explorer, whose adventures he documented with an unflinching eye.

Run in association with the Australian Geographic Society and Aurora Expeditions, Frank Hurley's Antarctica will be a special talk presented by Alasdair McGregor. The images were taken during the ill-fated 1914 voyage of Ernest Shackleton, whose ship, The Endurance, became trapped in pack ice in the Weddell Sea.



The Shackleton Endurance expedition to Antarctica that set sail in August 1914 is a dramatic story of adventure, survival and ultimately failture. In 1914, with World War I on the horizon, Shackleton embarked on a journey to cross the Antarctic continent. The mission was given the grand name of The British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition and The Endurance was perfectly brand new.



In Buenos Aires, they picked up young Australian photographer Frank Hurley who was still only in his early twenties. Hurley was a talented photographer with both skill and experience, having been a member of Mawson's recent Australasian Antarctic Expedition. Over the next two years, he documented the plight of The Endurance and the men aboard. The resulting images would make him famous.



Things went downhill once The Endurance hit the icy waters of The Weddell Sea not far from their final goal. The ship became stuck and ensnared. Shackleton and his crew were forced to camp out on the ice, surviving as best they could in perilous conditions. After many miserable months, Shackleton made the decision to sail towards South Georgia with a small crew of men to seek help and rescue. Miraculously, they made it through and Shackleton returned in a Chilean navy tug to rescue the crew who were all still alive.



Hear more about this incredible story of survival, as well as Hurley's remarkable photographic documentation, in this special two hour talk hosted by Alastair McGregor, an expert on Hurley and an avid adventurer himself. Tickets are $30 and includes drink and refreshments. It's sure to add a little more adventure to your night.

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