Click to expand

Event Description:

Major new exhibition at National Trust Hughenden

‘The Polar Failure’ reveals previously unseen photographs

marking 150 years since the doomed Arctic expedition 

Hughenden Manor will have the full collection of images from Britain’s unsuccessful 1875 Arctic expedition on public display for the first time, providing a rare view of one of the most intensive and controversial expeditions of the Victorian era.

‘The Polar Failure’ reveals a remarkable collection of photographs marking 150 years since the doomed Arctic expedition. Opening on 29 June 2026, the exhibition at Hughenden Manor brings together more than 100 photographs from the 1875 Arctic expedition, including many previously unseen and never-before-published images. Marking 150 years since the expedition’s return, the exhibition re-examines a story long associated with failure, hardship and a later national cover-up.

On 18 October 1875, HMS Alert and HMS Discovery returned to Portsmouth after spending more than a year in the Arctic. Their crews, weakened by frostbite, disease and severe weather conditions set out with high goals: to reach the North Pole, and to make records on the Arctic’s landscapes, wildlife, and people, which included overcoming the challenges of creating photographs there. Instead, the mission failed, with serious consequences. The British press eventually referred to it as ‘The Polar Failure’, and the expedition was investigated by the Admiralty.

The photographs on display were given to Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who funded the expedition. The images were restricted from public view. Displayed today at Hughenden, Disraeli’s former home, they provide a visual record of life on the edge of the known world, documenting both human endurance and the harsh Arctic environment. Expedition leader Clements Markham described the journey as going into ’the Threshold of the Unknown’.

Visitors to the exhibition will experience:

• A display of more than 100 pictures, on rotation, portraying life aboard ship and in the Arctic scenery.

• The revelation of an unknown Arctic expedition story thanks to the national cover up when the mission failed.

• One of the first examples of photography in harsh polar climate.

• A rare Victorian Meagher Folding Camera, the same model used by the crew on the expedition.

• An immersive gallery experience with maritime inspired theming.

“We are delighted to showcase this incredible collection of photographs at Hughenden as part of our new exhibition. Each photograph on display tells a story and provides us with a unique snapshot into the life of those involved in the 1875 Arctic expedition, an expedition very often overshadowed by its failings and its accomplishments overlooked. We look forward to sharing both the photographs and the story with visitors from 29 June.” – Georgia Matthews, Visitor Experience Manager

While the expedition failed to achieve its primary goal of reaching the North Pole, it signified an important turning point in the history of exploration and visual documentation. The exhibition also encourages viewers to consider how stories are shaped, recalled, or disguised, as well as why this chapter in British history has gone untold for so long.

• The photographs and associated pamphlets have been carefully conserved to ensure long-term preservation. Each print was carefully surface-cleaned and treated to remove dirt, stains, and residues, and damaged areas such as folds, splits, and lifting layers were stabilised with conservation-grade materials and processes.

• The pamphlets were similarly cleaned, mended, and flattened to maintain their structural integrity. Following treatment, all artefacts were rehoused in handmade archival folders and boxes to ensure proper protection. Because the pieces are light-sensitive, they will be presented under tightly regulated conditions, with low light levels and limited exhibition durations, to ensure their long-term preservation.

- ENDS -     

Details correct at time of writing please check the Hughenden web page for the latest information.     

 Please credit as National Trust Images/ photographer’s name. Please only use to accompany this story: 

We provide non-agency images free of charge for editorial purposes 

By downloading these images you are accepting the terms and conditions of supply of National Trust images - www.nationaltrustimages.org.uk/pages/terms-and-conditions   

Notes to Editors:

Exhibition runs from 29 June 2026 to 28 June 2027 National Trust – Hughenden

Supported by CEWE

Media Contact:

For further press information please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

Price: Included with admission

About Hughenden Manor 

Hughenden offers a vivid insight into the charismatic personality and colourful private life of the most unlikely Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, who lived here from 1848 to 1881. The formal gardens at Hughenden were designed by Mary Anne Disraeli in an 18th century Italianate style, a highly fashionable choice for Victorian country estates. Today, the gardens have been recreated to be true to her vision with geometric formal beds, statuary and urns and striking planting. In the woodlands there are towering trees of all shapes and sizes to explore.

Hughenden | Buckinghamshire | National Trust

About the National Trust 

The National Trust is an independent conservation charity founded in 1895 to preserve historic and natural places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and open them up for everyone to enjoy. 131 years later and that mission is still at the heart of what we do.

Over the next decade, our cause will be delivered through our People & Nature Thriving strategy. We have three ambitious goals: to restore nature - not just on National Trust land, but everywhere; to end unequal access to nature, beauty and history; and to inspire millions more people to care and take action.

With our 5.3m members, 40,000 volunteers, and our supporters, partners and communities, we collectively represent a cause that’s bigger than just ourselves: it’s about caring for nature and heritage everywhere, for everyone, for ever.

100 Words version

The Polar Failure: Uncovering the hidden photographs of the 1875 Arctic expedition

Discover a captivating new National Trust exhibition featuring a rarely seen collection of images from Britain’s ill-fated 1875 Arctic expedition. The Polar Failure marks the 150th anniversary of its return with over 100 photographs documenting life at the edge of the known world. These images, given to Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli and kept hidden from public view for decades, tell the story of ambition, struggle, and national cover-up. This exhibition, which includes interactive exhibits and a rare Victorian camera, takes an interesting look at exploration, failure, and the unknown.

Opens 29 June 2026

* Event details accurate at the time of publishing; please check the organiser's website for the latest updates.

Other Dates:

Event Location:

Hughenden Manor
Get Directions