Historic building at Whalers Bay successfully restored after graffiti incident

10/02/2025

The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust has worked with partners to remove graffiti from the historic aircraft hangar at Whalers Bay on Deception Island.

The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust in partnership with Oceanwide Expeditions and with kind support from independent experts on the removal of graffiti from historic buildings, has successfully restored a historic aircraft hangar at Whalers Bay on Deception Island – just one month on from an incident of graffiti. 

Historic building experts Christopher Beardsmore, Shaun Jeary & Adam Turner completed the restoration (© Sara Jenner/Oceanwide Expeditions)

As a protected Historic Site and Monument (No. 71), Whalers Bay is a site of great historical significance; both as the location of a Norwegian whaling station in the early 20th century and for the remains from the period of British scientific and mapping activity (1944-1969). 

Part of the British Base B, the aircraft hangar is the largest building on Deception Island and was built in the 1960s to house single-engine aircraft. It holds high significance for its historic and archaeological values, which contribute to our understanding of the development of science in Antarctica and the history of Antarctic flight.

The aircraft hangar is the largest building on Deception Island (© Sara Jenner/Oceanwide Expeditions)

UKAHT’s role is to conserve British Antarctic heritage on the Antarctic Peninsula, protecting the human history of the continent for future generations. As the UK's statutory advisors on Antarctic Heritage, UKAHT was asked to work with experts in the removal of graffiti from historic buildings to devise a methodology for the safe removal of the paint and to reinstate the building to its previous condition. 

Careful consideration was taken to identify the most effective and appropriate methodology, applying rigorous conservation standards to care for the building and the environment in which it stands. 

The team at work (© Sara Jenner/Oceanwide Expeditions)

Oceanwide Expeditions generously offered their support to ensure an experienced small team were able to make it to the site in January and complete the restoration.

UKAHT CEO Camilla Nichol explains: 

“We were all deeply shocked and saddened by this senseless and irresponsible vandalism; an act showing great disregard for both the historical significance of the site and the Antarctic environment. We are grateful to our partners in Antarctica who have helped to respond rapidly to this incident, particularly the external experts and Oceanwide Expeditions who made this essential work possible. We also extend gratitude to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators and its members, the British Antarctic Survey and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, for their support. We continue to encourage all visitors to Antarctica to leave no trace so we can carefully protect this precious wilderness and its remarkable history for generations to come.”

Anyone wishing to help protect and share the wonder of Antarctica and its heritage can support UKAHT by becoming a member or making a donation.