Creating Discovery Medals for the 21st Century
In our Art Night ‘Aurora Australis’ blog post, we introduced our fantastic Creative Communities Network; a group of young people exploring Dundee Heritage Trust’s polar collection and how it can be connected to the array of local and global issues raised by climate change. Today, we’re catching up with another of their recent projects; a bronze pour on the quayside beside RRS Discovery, creating some very special Antarctic medals.
Photography with thanks to Ben Douglas.
Over the past few months, our Creative Communities Network (CCN) have been working closely with The Mobile Foundry to create bronze medals inspired by medals from Discovery’s Recognised polar Collection.
Of particular inspiration were two medals belonging to Thomas Whitfield, stoker on Discovery’s 1901-1904 Expedition, including his silver Polar Medal – introduced in 1904 to recognise the outstanding service in the Antarctic of the men of Captain Scott’s first expedition – and his silver Royal Geographical Society (RGS) medal.
Instead of celebrating the recognition and glory of the men of Antarctic expeditions, the medals created by the CCN instead celebrate our natural environment; representing the animals and landscape of the Antarctic. The medals feature whales, penguins, the sea and ice!
Inspired by the wonder of Antarctic creatures large and small, the group carefully carved their designs into lino discs, which were then pressed into a sand mould, in preparation for pouring.
The CCN group were fortunate to be able to pour their medals on our quayside in the sunshine, set to the backdrop of Dundee’s magnificent Royal Research Ship Discovery, with the help of The Mobile Foundry, Beth, Rob and Chris.
Though this project is finished, our Creative Communities Network are still busy creating new artworks inspired by all things Polar and climate. Keep an eye out for more updates.
You might also like…
-
Stories01/04/2023Discovery PointFlying Antarctic tartan on Royal Research Ship Discovery
Proudly flying Antarctic tartan aboard Discovery; but do you know what each of the colours in this beautiful fabric represents? -
Stories19/08/2023Discovery Point
Art Night Retrospective with our Creative Communities Network
A pictorial account showcasing the beautiful collaboration undertaken by our Creative Community Network for Dundee’s Art Night celebrations. -
Pages11/03/2024
Keep in touch!
You’ll receive exclusive insights into our work behind-the-scenes at Discovery Point and Verdant Works Museum, be first to know about upcoming events and exhibitions and, discover how you can help support Dundee Heritage Trust. You can unsubscribe at any time.
