Still Life: Inside the Antarctic Huts of Scott and Shackleton

 

At the turn of the 20th century Antarctic explorers set off from their huts in search of adventure, science, and glory, while the huts were left as time capsules of Edwardian life. The huts had never been the subject of a thorough photographic survey until Jane Ussher was invited by the Antarctic Heritage Trust to record "the unusual, the hidden and minutiae of these sites," and this tome is the stunning result. Seven gatefolds reveal wide-format photos, while intimate close-ups explore the fascinating details in each small, gritty corner of the huts. A portrait of King Edward VII hangs amid seal blubber, sides of mutton, a jar of gherkins, penguin eggs, cufflinks, and darned trousers. The executive director of the Trust provides a fascinating introduction to the history and atmosphere of each hut and detailed photographic captions. Diary excerpts from the explorers bring their time in the huts to life, while a final chapter discusses the current work to conserve the huts.