Antarctic conservation blog

Conserving the cross

Anna, Thursday 8 January 2009

The cross on top of Observation Hill is a poignant symbol of the sacrifice the explorers made in their efforts to reach the South Pole. Erected in 1912 by the remaining men from Scott’s Terra Nova expedition, it lists the names of Scott, Wilson, Oates, Bowers and Evans, with the inscription “Who died on the return from the pole, March 1912. To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”.

The cross on Observation Hill © Antarctic Heritage Trust

It has stood like a sentinel over McMurdo for nearly 100 years, but the harsh winds and inexorable scoria have taken their toll.

The inscription was originally carved, and subsequently painted. The combination of the wood condensing due to the pressure of carving and the paint layer on the letters has meant that the surrounding wood has been more susceptible to abrasion by the wind and scoria, so the inscription now actually stands proud, and is in danger of shearing off from the cross.

A close up of the inscription on the cross © Antarctic Heritage Trust

We decided that a dilute solution of consolidant would be applied to the letters in an attempt to strengthen both the letters and the bond between the letters and the wood beneath. Preliminary tests found that in colder weather, the solvent froze and did not allow the adhesive to penetrate successfully. So we had to choose our day carefully. Having to rely on a nice warm day in Antarctica is not easy!

On Saturday night, the temperature was a balmy -0.2°C, and so off we clambered up the hill with adhesive, brushes, and ladder in tow.

Applying the consolidant to the inscription © Antarctic Heritage Trust

Consolidating the letters on the top of the cross © Antarctic Heritage Trust

Tiny paintbrushes and a lot of patience were needed, but the adhesive was successfully applied, and we hope that the inscription will remain now for many years to come.

Posted in Antarctica, Climate & weather, Conservation, McMurdo, Polar exploration, Scott

3 Responses to “Conserving the cross”

January 13th, 2009 at 4:40 am
Kevin says:

What is it like standing at the top of the hill looking at that cross? I would imagine it would be a very emotional thing to experience. Even now, whenever I read about Scott and the rest in the last days it never fails to move me.

Also, I’d never known the cross was as big as it is! I think it’s incredible work you’re all doing.
January 14th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Fiona says:

Thanks Kevin. We won’t be speaking to Jana by sat phone for another three days (where she is out in the field working at Captain Scott’s hut at Cape Evans) so I’m answering on her behalf. You are right, it is special standing up on Observation Hill with the cross – when you combine the words ‘To Strive, To Seek, To Find, and Not to Yield’ with looking directly out across the vastness to the South Pole it is a special moment. Fiona
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:57 am
Christina says:

I would love to hear how the consolidated portion of the cross weathers over time. Working in the comparitively blamy Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, I had never considered the use of a consolidant in such a climate. Have any other exterior architectural elements or artifacts been consolidated?