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About Us
Antarctic Adventurers grew out of three men's love for the heroic period of Polar exploration from 1901-1915. "The three of us had been working together in historical re-enacting for many years through our other period of interest- The English Civil War," said John Reid.
"We realised we had a strong mutual interest in the period and that our general skills as re-enactors could be applied to the Antarctic as well." Skills such as the ability to research a period thoroughly, produce designs for clothing and artifacts and then faithfully reproduce them in wood, metal, leather and cloth.
In those terms, the men who braved the Antarctic at the start of the 20th century were little different from their 17th century counterparts.," said Mick Parker. " We look back in wonder now at how they managed to survive without advanced technology and materials like plastics."
"Seeing so many of the original items together at the "South" exhibition in Greenwich stimulated us to the point of making the decision to set up Antarctic Adventurers. We realised that if we could re-create a small sledging party of the period we would have the basis of a fascinating display.
We already had the experience as historical re-enactors of interpreting history to an audience and the skills and drive to make it happen," Mick said. " Between us we have over 50 years experience of re-enacting 17th, 18th and 19th Century military history. Polar exploration seems to have been an offshoot of the military in the British case with a majority of the men being serving officers or other ranks."
The group have been extremely lucky in acquiring costume and artifacts. The Burberry gabardine windproofs have been very kindly loaned by Burberry's and are based on the suits used by Australian explorer Douglas Mawson. From the play " Antarctica" which had a shorter than expected run in the West End, the group have been given most of the clothing including gloves, hats, underwear, trousers and sweaters. From the film " Shackelton" filmed for Channel 4, the group have been given reindeer skin sleeping bags, tents, boxes, flags and man hauling harnesses. " We have made a reproduction Nansen sledge, Scott tent and Nansen Cooker said " Mick Parker. " We have also restored a suitable Primus stoves and are building up a collection of scientific instruments including a theodolite and sextant."
Although we have a strong programme of events for 2008, we are still looking for bookings at museums and other heritage venues. We are also interested in doing educational work."
Antarctic Adventurers
24 Gerard Road
Alcester
Warks
B49
6QG
01789 763980