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Franklin Expedition Collection

The Franklin Expedition, led by Captain Sir John Franklin and his brave crew, remains a captivating tale of exploration and tragedy

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Portraits of Captain Sir John Franklin, and his Crew (engraving)

Portraits of Captain Sir John Franklin, and his Crew (engraving)
1102231 Portraits of Captain Sir John Franklin, and his Crew (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Portraits of Captain Sir John Franklin, and his Crew)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Schwatkas discovery of Franklin expedition grave, 1880

Schwatkas discovery of Franklin expedition grave, 1880
Grave of Franklin Expedition member Lt. John Irving found by Schwatkas American search party in Greenland, 1880. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: The 'North Star, 'sent in Search of Sir John Franklins Expedition (engraving)

The "North Star, "sent in Search of Sir John Franklins Expedition (engraving)
1618149 The " North Star, " sent in Search of Sir John Franklins Expedition (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The " North Star)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: The Search for Sir John Franklin (engraving)

The Search for Sir John Franklin (engraving)
1618623 The Search for Sir John Franklin (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Search for Sir John Franklin)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Carrier Pigeons for the Renewed Branch Expedition in Search of Sir John Franklin (engraving)

Carrier Pigeons for the Renewed Branch Expedition in Search of Sir John Franklin (engraving)
1625652 Carrier Pigeons for the Renewed Branch Expedition in Search of Sir John Franklin (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: The Search for the Franklin Expedition (engraving)

The Search for the Franklin Expedition (engraving)
1625496 The Search for the Franklin Expedition (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Search for the Franklin Expedition)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Queen Victoria visiting HMS Resolute, 16th December, 1856, published 1859 (colour litho)

Queen Victoria visiting HMS Resolute, 16th December, 1856, published 1859 (colour litho)
1275184 Queen Victoria visiting HMS Resolute, 16th December, 1856, published 1859 (colour litho) by Simpson, William Crimea (1823-99); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: H. M. Ships Erebus and Terror in the Ross Sea (w / c on paper)

H. M. Ships Erebus and Terror in the Ross Sea (w / c on paper)
3273604 H.M. Ships Erebus and Terror in the Ross Sea (w/c on paper) by Davis, John Edward (1815-77); 18.8x28.9 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Relics of the 'Franklin Expedition'(Discovered by Captain M Clintock, 1858-9) (engraving)

Relics of the "Franklin Expedition"(Discovered by Captain M Clintock, 1858-9) (engraving)
671172 Relics of the " Franklin Expedition" (Discovered by Captain M Clintock, 1858-9) (engraving) by English School

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: The Search for Sir John Franklin (engraving)

The Search for Sir John Franklin (engraving)
1618622 The Search for Sir John Franklin (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Search for Sir John Franklin)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Relics of the Franklin Expedition (engraving)

Relics of the Franklin Expedition (engraving)
1098282 Relics of the Franklin Expedition (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Relics of the Franklin Expedition)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: The Fete of Sir John Franklin (engraving)

The Fete of Sir John Franklin (engraving)
1607825 The Fete of Sir John Franklin (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Fete of Sir John Franklin)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: HMS 'Plover, 'sent in Search of Sir John Franklins Arctic Expedition (engraving)

HMS "Plover, "sent in Search of Sir John Franklins Arctic Expedition (engraving)
1606976 HMS " Plover, " sent in Search of Sir John Franklins Arctic Expedition (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: HMS " Plover)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: The Late Dr John Rae (engraving)

The Late Dr John Rae (engraving)
1062780 The Late Dr John Rae (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Late Dr John Rae, the discoverer of the Franklin Relics)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Trace of the Franklin Expedition (engraving)

Trace of the Franklin Expedition (engraving)
1102296 Trace of the Franklin Expedition (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Trace of the Franklin Expedition)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Relics of the Franklin Expedition (engraving)

Relics of the Franklin Expedition (engraving)
1098290 Relics of the Franklin Expedition (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Relics of the Franklin Expedition)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Relic of the Franklin Expedition, Facsimile of a Record found in a Cairn on Point Victory

Relic of the Franklin Expedition, Facsimile of a Record found in a Cairn on Point Victory, 3 May 1859 (engraving)
1098245 Relic of the Franklin Expedition, Facsimile of a Record found in a Cairn on Point Victory, 3 May 1859 (engraving) by English School

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: The Franklin Celebration (engraving)

The Franklin Celebration (engraving)
1628172 The Franklin Celebration (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Franklin Celebration. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 25 May 1895)

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: The Expedition in Search of Sir J Franklin, Arctic Bear on Board the 'Fox'(engraving)

The Expedition in Search of Sir J Franklin, Arctic Bear on Board the "Fox"(engraving)
1098326 The Expedition in Search of Sir J Franklin, Arctic Bear on Board the " Fox" (engraving) by English School

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: The search for Sir John Franklins Arctic expedition, 1850s

The search for Sir John Franklins Arctic expedition, 1850s
" Resolute" and four other ships leaving England to search for Franklins lost Arctic expedition, 1852. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Traces of the Franklin Expedition: the Three Graves at Cape Riley, Beechy Island

Traces of the Franklin Expedition: the Three Graves at Cape Riley, Beechy Island; John Torrington, John Hartnell, William Braine

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Traces Of The Franklin Expedition: The Three Graves At Cape Riley

Traces Of The Franklin Expedition: The Three Graves At Cape Riley, Beechy Island; John Torrington, John Hartnell, William Braine

Background imageFranklin Expedition Collection: Arctic exploration debate, 1882 satire C016 / 2537

Arctic exploration debate, 1882 satire C016 / 2537
Arctic exploration debate. 19th-century satirical artwork titled Sport or Science?, showing a debate over polar explorers shown dying on ice floes. At upper left are James G


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The Franklin Expedition, led by Captain Sir John Franklin and his brave crew, remains a captivating tale of exploration and tragedy. Portraits of these intrepid men showcase their determination and resolve in the face of the unknown. In 1880, Schwatka's discovery of the grave from the ill-fated expedition serves as a haunting reminder of the perils they faced in their quest for discovery. The engraving captures both the somberness and significance of this find. "The North Star, " sent on a search mission for Sir John Franklin's expedition, symbolizes hope amidst uncertainty. This engraving depicts the unwavering commitment to finding answers about their fate. Queen Victoria herself paid homage to this courageous endeavor when she visited HMS Resolute in 1856. Published as a color lithograph three years later, it immortalizes her respect for those who ventured into uncharted territories. H. M Ships Erebus and Terror navigating through icy waters in Ross Sea exemplify the harsh conditions encountered during this treacherous journey. Watercolor on paper brings forth an ethereal beauty that belies its dangers. Relics discovered by Captain M Clintock between 1858-9 offer glimpses into what transpired during Franklin's ill-fated voyage. These engravings provide us with tangible connections to history while reminding us of lives lost at sea. Carrier pigeons were employed during renewed expeditions dedicated to searching for Sir John Franklin—a testament to human ingenuity even amidst adversity. Their presence signifies resilience against all odds. Engravings depicting various stages of "The Search for Sir John Franklin" capture both desperation and determination etched onto every face involved in this relentless pursuit for answers. "The Fete of Sir John Franklin" commemorates his legacy after his tragic demise—an event where remembrance intertwines with celebration, honoring his contributions to exploration despite an untimely end.