UK Buyer Sought for Shackleton's Last Medal
In a bid to retain an essential piece of British polar exploration history, an urgent call has been issued for a UK-based buyer to step forward for the last-known Polar Medal awarded to legendary Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. The medal, a testament to Shackleton's remarkable achievements during three polar expeditions, has been temporarily barred from export as authorities seek to keep it within the country.
Valued at approximately £1.76 million, the silver Polar Medal holds exceptional significance, reflecting Shackleton's extraordinary contributions to polar research. The medal, previously known as the Arctic Medal until 1904, is bestowed upon individuals for outstanding service in the field of polar exploration.
Sir Ernest Shackleton, renowned for his leadership and resilience, earned the prestigious medal after leading two Antarctic expeditions and one Arctic expedition. Notably, his 1907 Nimrod expedition aimed to be the first to reach the South Pole, falling just short but establishing new records by reaching within 100 miles of the pole.
The current decision to impose an export bar on the Polar Medal comes from the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest. The committee emphasizes the historical significance of the medal, asserting that its departure from the UK would be a "misfortune."
Andrew Hochhauser KC, chair of the committee, urges that the Polar Medal finds a home in a UK public institution where it can serve as a reminder of Shackleton's remarkable accomplishments and inspire future generations of leaders.
The decision regarding the export license application, necessary for the medal to be sent abroad, has been deferred until May 1. The government hopes that a potential UK buyer will emerge to secure the medal for the nation.
This appeal comes after a 2015 auction where several of Shackleton's medals were sold, including his Chilean Order of Merit for £74,500 and four British medals for £230,500, raising over £500,000 in total. The ongoing effort to keep the Polar Medal in the UK reflects a commitment to preserving the nation's rich exploration history and honoring the legacy of one of its most iconic figures.
