Unseen 1912 Scott Antarctic expedition images revealed

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1912 Antarctic expedition photosImage source, Henry Aldridge & Sons
Image caption,

The photos were taken by Lt. Henry "Birdie" Bowers who was part of the doomed British Antarctic Terra Nova Expedition in 1912

A previously unseen collection of photographic negatives showing Captain Scott's ill-fated trek to the Antarctic has been revealed, prior to its sale.

The 52 images were taken by Lt. Henry "Birdie" Bowers who was part of the doomed British Antarctic Terra Nova Expedition in 1912.

The entire party perished but the photos offer a fascinating snapshot of its journey to the South Pole.

The archive could fetch up to £50,000 at an auction in Devizes, Wiltshire.

Image source, Henry Aldridge & Sons
Image caption,

The expedition team consisted of eight men

Scott and his team never returned after being beaten to the South Pole by the Norwegian Roald Amundsen.

Image source, Henry Aldridge & Son
Image caption,

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said the images were "a fascinating snapshot" of Scott and his team's doomed trek

Andrew Aldridge of auctioneers Henry Aldridge and Son in Devizes in Wiltshire, said the images showed "the brutal nature of the environment these brave men had to endure".

Image source, Henry Aldridge & Son
Image caption,

The photos show "previously unseen elements" from the expedition including the ice shelves and the mountains

He described the clarity of of the images as truly remarkable" and said they included "previously unseen elements", such as dog handler Cecil Meares and the mountains and ice shelves.

Image source, Henry Aldridge & Son
Image caption,

Other photos show shelter for the ponies and the team pitching tents and having lunch

The collection has been estimated at between £30,000-£50,000 and is to be sold in an auction of Titanic, ocean liner and polar exploration memorabilia on 18 April.

Image source, Henry Aldridge & Son
Image caption,

The collection of 52 photo negatives will go to auction in Devizes on 18 April

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