Discovery 125 anniversary celebration

Join the Society to mark the 125th anniversary of Captain Scott’s British National Antarctic Expedition (1901–1904), better known as the Discovery expedition, departing British waters for Antarctica.

The landmark expedition was organised in partnership between the Royal Geographical Society and Royal Society and launched the careers of iconic polar explorers like Scott and Shackleton, as well as locating the South Magnetic Pole and reaching a new 'furthest south'.

Today, the Society holds an extraordinary collection of items relating to the expedition’s scientific work and daily life. These include over 7,000 fragile photographs, handwritten manuscripts, maps, planning materials, artefacts, and artworks which we need your help to preserve.

Join us for a special day of talks, film, and displays celebrating this remarkable expedition and its enduring legacy.

All proceeds will go to the long-term preservation of the expeditions collection held here at the Society.

What can you expect on the day?

During the first part of the day (1.00pm to 7.00pm) we present some of the most knowledgeable speakers in the British Isles and beyond who will share their insights into this foundational expedition.

The second part of the day consists of a dinner followed by the remarkable one-man-show Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer.

Day tickets are £15 (£10 members). An evening show and dinner ticket can be purchased for an additional £5.

Programme

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Ali Gellatly is no longer able to attend and we have therefore had to cancel his talk. We're sorry for any inconvenience caused. 

• 1.00pm – Introduction: Jamie Owen FRGS welcomes guests to the Society to mark the 125th anniversary of the Discovery expedition and accompanying fundraising initiative. Jamie will review the essential conservation and digitisation work needed and how this event and our ongoing fundraising will support this.
• 1.10pm – Book launch: Ed Armston-Sheret launches his new book Grip of the Ice. The gripping untold story of Britain’s first Antarctic expedition – a daring journey that launched the legendary careers of Scott and Shackleton. Your opportunity to hear Ed talk about his book and get a copy signed.
• 1.45pm – Talk: Anne Strathie is a polar historian and author known for her work on the history of Antarctic and Arctic exploration. Anne will speak to the golden age of Antarctic exploration.
• Tea and coffee
• 2.30pm – Collections display and talk: Eugene Rae, Principal Librarian of the Royal Geographical Society, takes guests on a tour of our collections from the Discovery expedition as well as items from later expeditions inspired by Discovery.
• Tea and coffee
• 4.00pm – Talk: Esther Horvath, an award-winning photographer, speaks to her work documenting scientific research and life in polar regions.
• 4.30pm – Talk: Eugene Rae, Principal Librarian of the Royal Geographical Society, takes guests on a tour of our collections from the Discovery expedition as well as items from later expeditions inspired by Discovery.
• Tea and coffee
• 5.30pm – Talk: Dr David Wilson, a highly regarded polar historian whose great uncle was Scott’s trusted companion Dr Edward Wilson, talks about the photographs and artworks created on Captain Scott's first Antarctic expedition.
• 6.00pm – Talk: Dr John Shears is a polar explorer and expedition leader who has taken part in multiple Antarctic and Arctic missions. He is known for his involvement in modern polar exploration initiatives and leadership in extreme environments. John will speak to the scientific legacy of the Discovery expedition.
• 6.30pm – Talk: Preet Chandi, polar explorer known as Polar Preet, talks about the future of Antarctic exploration and the challenges we all face, with an introduction from Dame Jane Francis, Director of British Antarctic Survey and President of Royal Geographical Society.
• 7.00pm – Dinner: Pizza and drinks.
• 8.30pm – Show: Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer. Aidan Dooley brings his remarkable one-man show of one of the great figures of polar exploration performed at the Society for the first time.

Display of original materials and artefacts from the Discovery expedition will be on show from 1.30pm until 5.00pm in the Foyle Reading Room.

Bar open: 5:00pm – 10:00pm (Map Room).

Booking information

• Advance booking for this event is required. In order to book you will need an account on our website. If you already have an account you will be prompted to log in when you click 'book now'. Please create an account if you do not have one yet (you do not need to be a member of the Society to create an account).
• We do not issue tickets (electronic or physical) for this event. Instead your name will be on a list at the door. Please use the Society's entrance on Exhibition Road.
• A separate ticket is required for the evening dinner.
• Tea and coffee will be served throughout the day.

If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please email events@rgs.org

Accessibility at our events

We want everyone to feel welcome at our events. Key accessibility features of this event include:

• Step-free access to the event
• Accessible toilets
• Assistance dogs are welcome
• Hearing loop

For full details, please visit our accessibility page. If you have any questions or specific access requirements, feel free to get in touch with us on access@rgs.org