Re-Imagining Scott: Objects and Journeys

The work ‘Re-Imagining Scott: Objects and Journeys’ was the result of a year of research and development by Coldwell, using the archives at the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) as a starting point. The project engaged with the physicality of the quest for the Pole through SPRI’s extensive archive of documents, photographs and objects related to the Terra Nova expedition. Of particular importance were documents concerning the financing of the journey, the extensive collection of photographs by Ponting and the albums of press cuttings kept by Scott’s widow Kathleen, who recorded the whole enterprise from initial conception through to its tragic conclusion. Coldwell was also given access to the collection of physical objects related to the Polar expedition. Coldwell conducted numerous study visits to SPRI, supplemented by further reading including Scott’s Journals, and viewings of the films, ‘The Great White Silence’ directed by Ponting and ‘Scott of the Antarctic’ (starring John Mills).

The work re-imagined aspects of the polar expedition and included a series of postcards entitled SOUTH, made on the computer from such disparate sources as photographs of sugar cubes, baked mud and ice cubes configured to suggest arctic landscapes. These postcards, delivered to locations that were ports of call of the Terra Nova, were posted back to SPRI, the postcards bearing the evidence of travel. A set of prints explored the means of sponsorship of the original expedition, while a set of bronze sculptures captured moments from the story. Six sets of glass objects were made from Coldwell’s drawings by the National Glass Centre Sunderland to suggest categories of objects essential for travel. The catalogue contains a reflective essay articulating the research process and sections on each of the artworks.