Charles T Harrisson collection

The collection comprises of material relating to the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914 (leader Douglas Mawson).

Charles T. Harrisson was born in Hobart, Australia ca. 1869. He joined the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914 (leader Douglas Mawson), as biologist and artist on board Aurora . He was a member of the party under Frank Wilds leadership who established West Base at the west end of Shackleton Ice Shelf. This party undertook extensive scientific work and Harrisson participated in several sledge journeys, reaching Mount Barr Smith with Wild and two companions in December 1912. He was awarded the Polar Medal for his part in the expedition.

After the expedition, he was appointed biologist to the Commonwealth Fisheries steamer Endeavour and died when the vessel foundered in December 1914.

The collection is arranged chronologically.

By appointment.

Some materials deposited at the Institute are NOT owned by the Institute. In such cases the archivist will advise about any requirements imposed by the owner. These may include seeking permission to read, extended closure, or other specific conditions.

Anyone wishing to consult material should ensure they note the entire MS reference and the name of the originator.

The term holograph is used when the item is wholly in the handwriting of the author. The term autograph is used when the author has signed the item.

Descriptions compiled by N. Boneham, Assistant Archivist with assistance from R. Stancombe and reference to SPRI Library Antarctic Biographies Card Index and The home of the blizzard, the story of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914 by Douglas Mawson, Wakefield Press, Kent Town, Australia (1996) SPRI Library Shelf (7)91(08)[1911-1914 Mawson] and Robert Keith Headland Antarctic Chronology, unpublished corrected revision of Chronological list of Antarctic expeditions and related historical events , (1 December 2001) Cambridge University Press (1989) ISBN 0521309034

Clive Holland Manuscripts in the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, England - a catalogue , Garland Publishing New York and London (1982) ISBN 0824093941.

Additional finding aids are available at the Institute.

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Further accessions possible.