'The Polar Failure': Uncovering the hidden images of the 1875 Arctic expedition

Marking 150 years since Britain’s ill-fated Arctic expedition, the National Trust presents 'The Polar Failure': Uncovering the hidden photographs of the 1875 Arctic expedition exhibition at Hughenden Manor. Visitors can discover a compelling collection of over 100 historic photographs, many of which have previously unseen, documenting the expedition’s dramatic journey into the Arctic. Alongside rare objects, like a Victorian folding camera, the exhibition brings to life the hardships faced by the crew of HMS Alert and HMS Discovery. Through immersive displays and intriguing narration, this experience encourages visitors to reflect on exploration, perseverance, and how history is remembered—or concealed.