The Baird Institute in Cumnock will re-open in January with a stunning exhibition of photographs from Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition of 1910-11 which is well worth a visit.

Already an experienced and renowned photographer Herbert Ponting joined the exhibition as professional photographer and cinematographer with the aim of creating a ‘live’ representation of the hazardous journey. Ponting took many risks to get the best shots possible – often creating hoists over-hanging the ship and putting crew members in precarious situations to achieve his vision. Many of the shots are staged, in what became known as ‘Ponting’ ie posing - by the exhibition members.

The stunning collection of photos is the first artistic interpretation of a scientific expedition and has created an amazing lasting record of the ill fated journey which ended so sadly.

Ponting spent a gruelling fourteen months at the hut at Cape Evans, building himself a small photographic darkroom in order to develop film and store his camera equipment. He produced over one thousand photographs during his stay in Antarctica which explore the Antarctic landscape and wildlife, whilst also visually documenting day-to-day expedition life.

He left Cape Evans in late February 1912, along with eight other men for whom it was decided should leave rather than endure a second harsh Antarctic winter. The sad news of the deaths of Scott and his fellow crew members Oates, Wilson and Bowers and Evans, reached Ponting along with the rest of the world in February 1913.

This highly recommended exhibition runs from 11 January until 3 May, Thursday to Saturday at The Baird Institute – KA18 1AD.

For further details visit www.eastayrshireleisure.com