The British Graham Land Expedition (BGLE) of 1934-1937 was a successful geophysical expedition led by prominent South Australian John Riddoch Rymill. Revealing secrets from one of Earth's only remaining frontiers, the Polar regions, this expedition resulted in the largest and most accurately detailed survey of the Antarctic continent confirming the existence of a peninsula rather than an archipelago.

Join the South Australian Museum for a thrilling account of a bygone era. Exactly 100 years ago, Penola-born John Rymill left Australia bound for England, in a journey that would culminate in him becoming one of Australia’s foremost polar pioneers. The masterful penmanship of Peter Rymill in his new book, John Rymill: Polar Pioneer allows readers to delve deep into the background of this extraordinary man. From earning his stripes in Greenland after unexpected tragedy, to garnering the confidence of the UK supporters for one of the last private Antarctic ventures, to how he selected his crew, John Rymill had a remarkable history.

This evening brings together Peter and John Rymill (the son and grandson of explorer John Rymill) to provide insight into the writing of the book including original footage of the BGLE, facilitated by the SA Museum’s Associate Professor Diego García-Bellido, author of the foreword to John Rymill: Polar Pioneer.

This event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages!

When: Friday 29 September, 2023
Where: Pacific Cultures Gallery, Mezzanine Level, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide
Ticket Price: Includes a free welcome drink with a choice of beer, wine or a non-alcoholic beverage.

6:00pm- Museum opens and welcome drinks service begins.
6:25pm- Presentation with Q&A to follow.
7:15pm- Presentation concludes.
7:30pm- Book signing
8:00pm- Close of event.

Purchase the book and have it signed by the author on the night (RRP$40)

About the Sprigg Salon Series

The Sprigg Salon series provides audiences with access to the latest thinking around cultural, scientific, and natural world research and discoveries here in South Australia and around the world. It is named in honour of Dr Reg Sprigg AO, a remarkable South Australian geologist who discovered the world’s oldest fossilised animals in the Flinders Ranges in 1946, now recognised around the world as the Ediacara fossils.

Sprigg Salons are proudly supported by Inspiring South Australia and Beach Energy.