Chilled: Antarctic life, inside and out, an exhibition developed by National Archives of Australia, has landed in Perth for the first time.   

Chilled invites visitors into the daily lives of the extraordinary people who were stationed at one of the most remote places on earth. The exhibition explores the incredible resilience of Antarctic expeditioners and the many creative ways they dealt with the dangers, isolation and responsibilities of living on the world’s coldest continent.

National Archives Director-General Simon Froude said Chilled not only delves into the dangers faced, but it also helps us to understand what it was like to work in the unforgiving environment.

‘The exhibition shares stories and archival records to highlight how expeditioners built human connections, completed their work and boosted morale while living in extreme isolation. The stories and tales shared show how their time was made a little bit more bearable,’ Mr Froude said.

‘Most excitingly, the Perth exhibition includes a generous selection of newly digitised photographs from 20th century British and Australian Antarctic expeditions. They help to further highlight the difficult conditions, unique wildlife and the science and technology of the time,’ Mr Froude said.

Vesna Liso, State Manager National Archives Western Australia Office, said she is delighted to be hosting Chilled.

‘The exhibition has only ever been seen in Tasmania and we know there has been interest from the public to have this fascinating exhibition tour nationally’. 

Bruce Kay, Exhibition Curator National Archives Tasmania Office said, ‘This is an important exhibition that highlights the relationship Australia has with the Antarctic, dating back to when Douglas Mawson led the first Australasian Antarctic Expedition in 1911’.

‘The Australian Antarctic Territory came into effect in 1936 and the first Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) mission in 1947 established permanent Australian stations to support scientific and exploratory work.’

Chilled: Antarctic life, inside and out is on display from Monday to Friday at National Archives’ Western Australia Office from 10 July 2023 to 30 March 2024.