My Department is aware that of the wide public interest in the Polar Medal awarded to Sir Ernest Shackleton and the possibility of acquisition that coincides with the celebrations in Dublin and London of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the famous Antarctic explorer. The mention of his name invokes memories of amazing adventures, bravery, fortitude and skill in perhaps the final phase of the Age of Discovery. Because of his indomitable spirit and achievements, Sir Ernest remains in the popular memory as an inspirational hero.
Although a figure of international renown, Shackleton is particularly memorialised in Ireland, Great Britain, and in New Zealand (Antarctic Heritage Trust). Born in Athy in 1874, the family moved to London when Ernest was 10. Shackleton is very much part of the 'shared heritage' of Britain and Ireland, in which context it was welcome to note that the new memorial plaque at Westminster Abbey incorporated both Kilkenny limestone and Connemara marble in acknowledgement of his Irish identity.
Among the many awards bestowed on Shackleton, particular interest has focussed on the Polar Medal and the possibility that it could be acquired for public display in Ireland. It is an artefact of exceptional significance, a silver medal with three bars representing the Antarctic voyages of 1902-04, 1907-09 and 1914-16. I understand that a prohibition on export from the United Kingdom is currently in place on the recommendation of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest. This first period of deferral will end on 1 May, 2024 and consideration of an export licence will resume. The delayed consideration and media coverage were intended to provide opportunity for a non-export acquisition bid to come forward in the context of the assessed value of GB£1.76 million (c.€2.0 million).
