Shackleton exhibition opens at Scott Polar Research Institute

On Wednesday 5 May 2004 Professor Julian Dowdeswell and the Hon Alexandra Shackleton opened the new exhibition Shackleton: The Hidden Collections at the Scott Polar Research Institute

The focus of the exhibition is the life and expeditions of the Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. The majority of artefacts, documents and photographs displayed were, until recently, held privately. Previously hidden from public view, they are exhibited here for the first time.

The exhibition is a rare chance to see Shackleton's Antarctic sledging diaries from the Discovery, Nimrod, Endurance and Quest expeditions. Original letters and charts are on display as well as the beautiful red and gold sledging flag, flown at the farthest south, during the Discovery and Nimrod expeditions.

The Scott Polar Research Institute is the natural home for both Scott and Shackleton collections. Shackleton himself considered the Institute to be the appropriate repository and due to the generosity of the Shackleton family, the majority of Ernest Shackleton's personal collections are now held at the Scott Polar Research Institute. We are delighted to exhibit a selection of these as part of the Hidden Collections exhibition.

• Museum and shop open: Tuesday - Saturday 2.30 - 4.00
• Exhibition open: May - November 2004
• Admission: Free