SGA Summer Event and AGM 2026 – History and Art of South Georgia

The SGA is holding a two-day Summer Event in Cambridge on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July.

Join us at the British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, for our summer meeting with two days of informative talks and an event dinner at Homerton College. Grasp the opportunity to discuss aspects of the history, ships, and people who were there, and learn more about the art of South Georgia from contemporary artists. Whether you’re a long standing member, or a non-member of the South Georgia Association, or just fascinated by the island and the Antarctic, this event combines history, science and art, making it perfect for everyone.

We have several eminent speakers including Linda Widmark (descendant of Carl Anton Larsen); contemporary abstract landscape artist, Dame Barbara Rae RA; natural world and wildlife artist, Bruce Pearson SWLA; master mariner, Rear Admiral Nick Lambert, and Professor Emeritus, Bjørn Basberg, an industrial, whaling and maritime historian.

The first day will include the history of King Edward Cove, from the establishment of Grytviken in 1904 by C. A. Larsen, and the later building of the Discovery Investigations laboratory in 1924-25 by the UK at King Edward Point. After the cessation of whaling, scientific research continued until the 1982 conflict, and recommenced in 2001 after 19 years of military occupation. This year, the 70th anniversary of a ship inextricably linked with the military history of South Georgia, namely HMS Endurance (formerly Anita Dan), will be commemorated.

Reports from the South Georgia Heritage Trust and the Government of South Georgia will be followed by an Annual Members Meeting which will close the day.

On the Friday evening, there is a Drinks Reception and Event Dinner at Homerton College.

The focus of the second day is the art of South Georgia from past to present. The artwork of Norwegian whalers will be described by speakers from “Øyas Venner” and the Sandefjord Whaling Museum. Presentations by contemporary artists about their contrasting styles and subjects will highlight how art provides a dynamic interpretation of the island, its wildlife, and surrounding seas. The new sculpture, recently installed on the whaling plan at Grytviken, will be introduced by its creator, and add another dimension to the island’s art.
The 70th anniversary of RRS John Biscoe, another ship with strong connections to King Edward Point and Bird Island research stations, which landed field scientists around the island, and supported the Offshore Biological Programme, will also be celebrated.

And finally, in recognition of BAS moving to Cambridge 50 years ago, some paintings by the late Dick Laws (Director at that time) will be exhibited alongside other South Georgia art from the BAS Collection.

Option to join us for a 3-course evening meal on Friday evening at the Atrium, Gonville Hotel.

Numbers are limited on a first-come, first-served basis with SGA members given priority booking.

Some accommodation will be available at Homerton College.