At home in Antarctica
The main base for the Australasian Antarctic Expedition was established at Cape Denison, in Commonweath Bay. The building was complete by early 1912 and the expeditioners, including Frank Hurley, took up residence.
Over the next 12 months, Hurley documented life in the hut. His record of the everyday and routine–work that supports any expedition is unique and rich, documenting a now superceded chapter of Antarctic life.
The Main Base (now known as Mawson’s Hut) was divided into two main spaces, the living quarters and the workshop. Hurley’s photographic darkroom was contained in the living quarters.
Midwinter dinner, Adelie Land, 1911, by Frank Hurley
Stereonegative ON 144/W63
The men got along well together, tasks and routines were allocated, entertainments organised and plans made for future exploration and science-based activities. Special days, such as the traditional midwinter feast and party, and birthdays were celebrated, enhancing the bonds between the men.
View from the living room into the workshop, 1911-1914, by Frank Hurley
Stereonegative ON 144
Hurley produced a series of stereo negatives during the expedition, using a camera with twin lenses. Seen through a special viewer called a stereoscope, prints from these negatives appeared as three-dimensional ("3-D") images. However, in order to view these images in 3-D today, the left and right halves must be transposed.
Frank Hurley photographing on the brink of the Great Ice Wall, 1911 - 1914, by Frank Hurley
Glass stereo negatives ON 144/H56
