Sir Ernest H. Shackleton (1874–1922) was born in Kilkea, County Kildare, Ireland in 1874. His first experience in Antarctica was as third officer on Robert F. Scott’s Discovery expedition (1901–04), during which he was sent home after reaching a new southern record with Scott. During his own Nimrod expedition (1907–09) he and three companions set a new Farthest South record at 88°S, only 180km from the South Pole. For this achievement he was knighted.
His most famous achievement came as the leader of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition when he saved his crew after Endurance became trapped in the ice, was crushed and sank. After reaching Elephant Island, Shackleton and five men sailed in the lifeboat James Caird to South Georgia for help. Shackleton left for a fourth voyage to Antarctica in 1921, but died in his cabin on Quest while moored at South Georgia. He was buried there.
The Explorers series of high quality bronze gilt busts are handmade in Britain by Modern Souvenir Co.
Size of bust: 12x7x4.
