In partnership with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), Oceanwide Expeditions has successfully restored a historic aircraft hangar at Whalers Bay on Deception Island – just one month after an incident of graffiti. This effort was made possible with the support of independent experts specializing in the removal of graffiti from historic structures.
Oceanwide Expeditions played a key role in making this restoration possible, providing full logistical support, a dedicated removal team, and a field guide to oversee safety, assist with the removal, and ensure all work met the standards agreed upon with UKAHT.
UK Antarctic Heritage Trust CEO Camilla Nichol praised the swift collaboration that made the restoration possible, highlighting Oceanwide Expeditions’ essential contribution:
“We are grateful to our partners in Antarctica who have helped to respond rapidly to this incident, particularly the external experts and Oceanwide Expeditions who made this essential work possible. We also extend gratitude to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators and its members, the British Antarctic Survey and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, for their support.”
Nichol’s acknowledgment underscores Oceanwide Expeditions’ vital role in enabling the team to reach and restore the site, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the preservation of Antarctica’s historic landmarks.
Nichols also emphasized the gravity of the incident, underscoring why a rapid response was so crucial: “We were all deeply shocked and saddened by this senseless and irresponsible vandalism; an act showing great disregard for both the historical significance of the site and the Antarctic environment.”
As a protected Historic Site and Monument (No. 71), Whalers Bay is a site of great historical significance; both as the location of a Norwegian whaling station in the early 20th century and for the remains from the period of British scientific and mapping activity (1944-1969).
Part of the British Base B, the aircraft hangar is the largest building on Deception Island and was built in the 1960s to house single otter aircraft. It holds high significance for its historic and archaeological values, which contribute to our understanding of the development of science in Antarctica and the history of Antarctic flight.
UKAHT’s role is to conserve British Antarctic heritage on the Antarctic Peninsula, protecting the human history of the continent for future generations. As the UK’s statutory advisors on Antarctic Heritage, UKAHT was asked to work with experts in the removal of graffiti from historic buildings to devise a methodology for the safe removal of the paint, with the aim of reinstating the building to its previous condition.
Careful consideration was taken to identify the most effective and appropriate methodology, applying rigorous conservation standards to care for the building and the environment in which it stands.
The successful restoration serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving Antarctica’s heritage and the responsibility that comes with visiting such a fragile and remote region. “We continue to encourage all visitors to Antarctica to leave no trace so we can carefully protect this precious wilderness and its remarkable history for generations to come”, Nichols stressed.
Anyone wishing to help protect and share the wonder of Antarctica and its heritage can support the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust by becoming a member or making a donation. Please visit the website for more information.
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