Exhibition of the Photographic Pictures of Mr. Herbert G. Ponting F.R.G.S.

Now open at The Royal Society of Artists' Gallery New Street.

First edition. 8 photographic plates. Small 8vo. Original printed wrappers, toned at spine with rust at staples, central bifolium loose. [iv], 24, [4ads]pp. London, Fine Arts Society,

This copy with a rare single sheet advertisement for a Ponting lecture and cinematograph screening loosely inserted:

 

"Philharmonic Hall, Great Portland Street, W. Twice Daily at 3 and 8.15. With Captain Scott in the Antarctic and Animal and Bird Life in the South Polar Regions Mr Herbert Ponting, F.R.G.S., [...] will for the first time in England, relate his own thrilling experiences in the far south, illustrated throughout by his complete cinematography diary of moving pictures." 

 

The handbill continues overleaf with a testimonial from Ernest Shackleton, and information on ticket prices. This sheet was clearly sized to fit exactly within the Exhibition guide, however few copies survive.

 

The first exhibition of Ponting's photographs from Scott's last expedition was held in 1913 at the Fine Arts Society and was followed by showings around the country prior to the outbreak of the First World War. Ponting was considered to be one of the finest outdoor photographers of his day, and the pictures he took with Scott on the Terra Nova expedition include some of the most enduring images of the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. 

 

OCLC finds a handful of copies in the UK, SLNSW & ATL, one in Paris, and one only in the USA, at Dartmouth. 

Stock Code: 245757