It is thought this ice-filled face in a Burberry helmet is the meteorologist, C.T. Madigan, on Mawson’s expedition. John George Hunter collection of photographs of Antarctica, 1911-1914, courtesy of Flickr.
In earlier blogs I have written with great enthusiasm about the sledges and food taken on Dr Douglas Mawson’s 1911-1914 Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE). Now I find myself similarly excited about some of the clothing from this expedition in our collection. Two items are particularly interesting, a windproof helmet and large pair of over trousers. Both were made by the famous London clothing firm, Burberry. In 1911 each member of Mawson’s expedition was fitted out with two Burberry polar outfits at a cost of 100 pounds each member. One suit comprised three pieces: trousers, blouse-jacket and helmet, whilst the other was made of two; the blouse-jacket and helmet being combined.
Continue reading ‘History Week 2012 Threads – what Mawson wore in Antarctica’
