THE AUTOCHROMES OF THE SHACKLETON-ROWETT (QUEST) EXPEDITION 1921-1922

The autochromes exposed by George Hubert Wilkins during Ernest Shackleton’s Quest expedition represent a substantial but rare body of colour photographs from the early years of Antarctic exploration. Since the return of Quest in 1922, the collection of 29 half-plate glass autochromes has remained in the archive of the family of John Quiller Rowett, the businessman and philanthropist, and school friend of Shackleton, who financed the expedition.

The Quest autochromes depict a range of scenes from the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition. These include records of Quest berthed in St Katharine Docks prior to departure from London in September 1921, and images of Quest anchored in the harbour of Funchal, Madeira. Wilkins also captured the magnificent landscapes of South Georgia, and scenes in and around the island’s whaling stations. There are also images captured after Sir Ernest Shackleton’s death at Grytviken. These include the autochromes exposed at Hope Point where the men of Quest constructed the memorial to their late leader in May 1922, as well as at the graveside of the explorer in Grytviken’s cemetery.

Comprising a selection of 12 images printed on glass and presented in a aluminium case, this limited edition portfolio represents a unique testament to Shackleton’s last expedition.