Photography by Jane Ussher
Essays by Nigel Watson, Antarctic Heritage Trust
Publication: 11 October 2010
Murdoch Books - NZRRP: $89.99 (fabric covered, large-format hardback with seven gatefolds)
At the turn of the twentieth century Antarctica was the focus of one of the last great races of exploration and discovery. Known as the ‘heroic age’, from 1895 to 1917 Antarctic explorers set off from their huts in search of adventure, science and glory and some, such as Scott, were never to return. The huts were left as time capsules of Edwardian life ‘on the ice’; a portrait of King Edward VII hangs amid the seal blubber, ancient newspapers (the Illustrated London News), penguin eggs, abandoned cufflinks and, neatly stored, tins labelled as ‘Irish brawn’ and ‘boiled mutton’.
One of New Zealand’s leading photographers, Jane Ussher, was given the unique opportunity to record ‘the unusual, the hidden and minutiae’ of these sites. Equipped with her favourite camera, a Hasselblad, Jane has taken images that are breathtaking, fascinating, and often sombre, creating an intriguing insight into the lives of the early explorers. The executive director of the Antarctic Heritage Trust, Nigel Watson, provides a fascinating commentary telling the story and recreating the atmosphere of each hut.
Two of the features for me of this hugely impressive, very large book are the magnificent photographic gatefolds anf the amazingly tactile cover. At first I thought surely a Jane Ussher photo should be on the cover but no in fact they couldn't have produced a more appropriate cover, it makes me think of the inside of those isolated damp huts still down there on the ice.
I note that Reuben Crossman was responsible for the concept and design of the book and I will not be surprised if he picks up some design awards for his work on this special book. Congratulations too to publisher Kay Scarlett and her team at Murdoch Books, this is something of a departure for them in subject matter genre and it is a real triumph.
About the authors:
Jane Ussher is one of New Zealand’s foremost portrait photographers, best known for the impressive body of work she developed during 29 years as chief photographer at the New Zealand Listener. Jane’s work has also been published in several books and regularly features in North & South, Metro, NZ Geographic, Sunday Magazine, Life & Leisure and NZ House & Garden. Jane lives in Auckland.
Nigel Watson is the Executive Director of the Antarctic Heritage Trust. The Trust cares for, amongst other heritage sites, the expedition bases left by Scott and Shackleton in Antarctica. Nigel has made annual expeditions to Antarctica over the past decade, working to save this amazing legacy for future generations. He is a graduate in Antarctic studies and has qualifications in law and commerce. Nigel lives in Christchurch.
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