'The Polar Failure': Uncovering the hidden images of the 1875 Arctic expedition Exhibition

Major new exhibition at National Trust Hughenden.

Discover a captivating new National Trust exhibition featuring a rarely seen collection of images from Britain’s ill-fated 1875 Arctic expedition. The Polar Failure marks the 150th anniversary of its return with over 100 photographs documenting life at the edge of the known world. These images, given to Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli and kept hidden from public view for decades, tell the story of ambition, struggle, and national cover-up. This exhibition, which includes interactive exhibits and a rare Victorian camera, takes an interesting look at exploration, failure, and the unknown.

Visitors to the exhibition will experience:

• A display of more than 100 pictures, on rotation, portraying life aboard ship and in the Arctic scenery.
• The revelation of an unknown Arctic expedition story thanks to the national cover up when the mission failed.
• One of the first examples of photography in harsh polar climate.
• A rare Victorian Meagher Folding Camera, the same model used by the crew on the expedition.
• An immersive gallery experience with maritime inspired theming.