Frank Hurley
“Amidst these profound and overwhelming forces, we are the absolute embodiment of helpless futility”
James Francis "Frank" Hurley OBE 1885- 1962
As my journey of exploration continues, I find myself in the company of another remarkable figure, Frank Hurley, the famed expedition photographer for Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition. I had the privilege of sitting down with Hurley, the man who had witnessed the Endurance become trapped in the floating ice and eventually crack and splinter under the pressure. Our conversation was not just about the perils of the icy wilderness but also the art of capturing its beauty and the importance of staying present in the moment.
"May I call you Rewa," Frank began, his eyes drawn to the photographs that adorned the walls, "there's something enchanting about this place. The very air seems to hold the echoes of adventures frozen in time."
Rewa raised her glass, a smile on her face. "Indeed. This cottage, steeped in history, was Sir Kinsey's sanctuary for both his love of adventure and his passion for photography."
"May I call you Frank" Rewa began, "I must say, your photographs from the Endurance expedition have left a lasting impression on me. The way you captured the icy landscape, the stark beauty of it all – it's humbling."
Hurley, with a glint in his eye, replied, "Thank you, Rewa. It's a privilege to have been there and witnessed such a magnificent yet treacherous environment. But it's not just about what you see through the lens; it's about feeling the moment, being present."
Rewa nodded in agreement. "I've always believed that photography is more than just the shutter closing. It's about freezing a moment in time, capturing the essence of that particular instant."
Hurley's gaze turned thoughtful. "Exactly. When we were on that ice, watching the Endurance being crushed, it was a sight that would stay with me forever. I knew I had to capture it, not just for others to see but as a testament to our endurance and resilience."
"I can only imagine the sheer magnitude of that experience," Rewa remarked. "The Endurance, a ship that had been your lifeline, destroyed by the very ice it was meant to conquer. It's a story of human determination and the relentless power of nature."
Hurley leaned back, lost in his memories. "Indeed, it was a testament to the human spirit. Every photograph I took was a piece of that story – a moment in time that spoke of our battles and victories against the relentless ice."
As they continued to share their thoughts, Rewa and Frank found common ground in their belief that photography was more than just a technical skill; it was about connecting with the environment, understanding the significance of the moment, and creating a lasting record of history.
"The ice," Frank cleared his throat, "it was both our enemy and our muse. Its unforgiving nature was a constant reminder of our vulnerability, yet its beauty was a source of inspiration."
The conversation flowed, punctuated by the clink of glasses and the soft crackling of the fire. As their words flowed on, Frank's gaze landed on an image of Captain Falcon Scott, taken by photographer and friend Herbert Ponting.
Hurley studied the photograph for a moment, his eyes filled with respect and admiration. "Captain Scott," he said, "a man who left an indelible mark on Antarctic exploration. Although he did not return from his final expedition, his legacy endures through powerful imagery such as this."
Rewa nodded, her own eyes on the photograph. "Yes, the images captured by Ponting hold a unique place in history. They tell a story of bravery, hardship, and the pursuit of the unknown."
Hurley continued, "It's a reminder that even when faced with insurmountable challenges, the spirit of exploration endures. Captain Scott's journey was not in vain, for it ignited the imaginations of countless others who followed in his footsteps."
Then, as if responding to the haunting echoes of the photographs, Frank Hurley opened his diary and shared some of his own words: "Amidst these profound and overwhelming forces, we are the absolute embodiment of helpless futility,” he recited. “The floes, like a mighty vice, have crushed her laterally....all the cabins have been closed up as efficiently as a folding Kodak.”
The words hung in the air, a testament to the harsh realities faced by explorers in the unforgiving polar regions. In that moment, they all felt a deeper connection to the trials and tribulations of those who had ventured into the heart of the Antarctic wilderness.
In that cozy study filled with photographic memories, Rewa Rendall and Frank Hurley found themselves transported through time and immersed in the power of words and imagery, connecting with the enduring spirit of exploration and the profound legacy of those who had faced the frozen unknown.
photograph of James Francis Hurley c.1953 - Fryer Library Pictorial Collection, UQFL477, PIC734
