Wearing Antarctica

Wearing Antarctica is a project by The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, supported by The Space. UKAHT aims to make our shared Antarctic heritage accessible to all, whether from the sofa or a ship.

About UKAHT

UKAHT preserve historic buildings and artefacts in Antarctica to help current and future generations discover, understand, value and protect this precious wilderness.

At Port Lockroy, Base A, they welcome visitors throughout the Austral summer to explore the museum, visit the world’s southernmost post office, observe the penguin colony and share the wonders of the white continent’s history. Along with their arts, education and events programme, they bring together people from around the world to learn about Antarctica’s past, present and future.

Explore 6 fascinating eras of polar exploration

This project enables a new, young audience to engage with the history and cultural heritage of Antarctica through the digitisation and sharing of historical and contemporary Antarctic clothing through online WebXR (social media filters & online exhibit) and a more advanced, in-person digital Antarctic ‘fashion’ magic mirror exhibit.

The evolution of clothing used on the peninsula tracks the human relationship with the continent from the Heroic Era, through the historic and modern Scientific Eras to modern teams working on site to conserve and preserve material and intangible Antarctic cultural heritage.

By presenting clothing and human stories together the project aims to create a connection between generations and across great distance, and encourages the passing on of the care and passion for a unique environment which is of central importance in the climate crisis.

How it works

Pick a filter on the Wearing Antarctica website.

The camera effect will detect your body and map it to the character. Dance around and you’ll see that it moves like you do. You will want to be in a well lit room, and stand back from the camera to ensure you see as much of your body as possible.

You can record and download your video and share on your social media channels and tag @UKAntarcticHeritageTrust or use #WearingAntarctica.