RGS Talk: A History of Polar Exploration in 50 Objects

Discover the stories behind the tools of polar exploration.

Join writer, biographer, and researcher Anne Strathie as she brings to life the fascinating history of polar exploration – told through the objects that made it possible.

From Captain Cook’s daring voyages in the 1770s to the advent of aviation in the 1930s, these artifacts reveal the human spirit of adventure, discovery, and resilience.

Drawing from her latest book, ‘A History of Polar Exploration in 50 Objects: from Cook’s Circumnavigations to the Aviation Age’, Anne shares the remarkable tales behind items that shaped our understanding of the polar regions. These objects – now scattered across the globe in museums, private collections, and even the polar landscapes themselves – offer a tangible link to the past.

Some belonged to legendary explorers. Others highlight the vital contributions of mariners, scientists, artists, photographers, and filmmakers. Many also reflect the often-overlooked roles of relatives, sponsors, and supporters who helped make these expeditions possible.

Together, these objects tell a story of international collaboration and shared ambition. They remind us of the unity and determination needed to explore – and protect – our planet’s most fragile frontiers.