Australians in Antarctica: ANARE, AAP

ANARE Club 75th Anniversary Display – Australian Antarctic Festival

Image: Trunk belonging to Phil Law which will feature at the display
(and will transport some of it down to Hobart!)

As part of our 75th Anniversary events, the ANARE Club stand at this year’s Australian Antarctic Festival will feature a display on the theme of ‘Australians in Antarctica: ANARE / AAD’, covering the ANARE / AAD period of Antarctic expedition and scientific endeavour from the late 1940s onwards.

The display will communicate the huge range of work roles ANARE / AAD personnel perform in Antarctica through a review of personal clothing and equipment and the stories behind them. We are hoping to have at least one item to represent every decade from the 1950s to the present day, and also represent different work roles and environments.

Some decades have already been covered by current Club holdings or generous loans and donations. However we are still seeking some/more items for the 1940s/1950s, 1970s, 1990s and 2000s/2010s. Anyone is welcome to loan their gear for display: tradies and scientists are particularly welcome.

To help visitors connect with the items and their history, ideally they will be accompanied by at least one photo of the wearer / owner in Antarctica, also ideally wearing that item, plus 50-100 words on the context of the item. Was the item worn while travelling to Antarctica? Was it worn for work? Did it go on traverse or spend a season in an unusual location? How much did you rely on it for warmth or work or comfort? Why have you kept it all these years? The human story behind a humble set of gloves or a jacket or a set of boots is what makes them interesting, and that’s the story we are hoping to tell.

These photos and stories will be printed onto display boards which will also form part of the exhibition for visitors to read and appreciate.

The Festival begins on Thursday 20 August and all display signage needs to be completed at least a fortnight prior so time is of the essence! We will need all items, photos and words received no later than Friday 31 July to complete artwork and display planning.

If you have, or you know someone who has, an item(s) that might tell a great story, please let display organiser Mel Van Twest know via email msvantwest@gmail.com. Mel will work with you to arrange to borrow the item(s) and collect your words and photo(s).

And if you’ll be in Hobart 20-23 August, please make sure you come past the ANARE Club stand, have a look and say hello!