Bruce´s 7 words home: Courtesy Museo de la Patagonia Bariloche

This exhibition focuses on aspects of the life and work of the distinguished Argentinian, (Perito) Francisco Pascasio Moreno (1852-1919). The exhibition is just a small part, but from the point of view of Scotland a very significant part, of the exhibition recently held in Buenos Aires, to celebrate the centenary of Moreno´s memorable lecture to the Royal Geographical Society in London in 1899.
The exhibition, held at the invitation of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (Director: Dr David Munro), illustrates Moreno´s valuable assistance with the 1902-1904 Scottish National Antarctic Expedition under William Bruce. Correspondence between Bruce and Moreno, unknown in Scotland, is displayed for the first time.

Lago Traful

In his London lecture, Moreno briefly described the history of the exploration of Patagonia and went on to show many photographic slides illustrating the beauty of its landscapes and its geography, geology and natural history. The like of such photographs had not been seen in Britain before.
In his conclusion, Moreno expressed his hope for greater international scientific cooperation between Britain and Argentina, particularly in Patagonia. He was much applauded. In 1907 he was awarded the Society´s Gold medal. His portrait still hangs on the Society´s walls in London.

Yet, in Britain few are likely to have heard of Perito Moreno and then only in connection with the breathtaking glacier, named after him, and not with the man himself.

Guide to Museo de La Plata

Even in Argentina, where many geographical features, streets and schools are named after him, few seem to know much of the man or of his great contributions to the national heritage. In addition to his distinguished explorations, his pioneering efforts in establishing the world renowned Museo de La Plata, the National Parks service, and the Argentinian Boy Scouts association, not to mention his period as a government Deputy, are just a few examples.

Abroad, Moreno was a loyal scientific ambassador. He was fully aware of the need for industrialization but at the same time of the need to preserve the environment and the national heritage. His drive and wide experience, coupled with realism, was greatly appreciated by those who knew him.

In 1899 Moreno was in Britain principally as the Argentine representative expert (Perito) in the controversy over the delineation of the Chilean border. Britain had been invited to arbitrate. Volumes relating to the arbitration, and containing many fine photographs of Patagonia, are displayed.

Several enlargements of the many other landscape images taken on Moreno´s explorations when photography was in its infancy, are also presented. Along side each are contemporary photographs taken from the same position in 1999, by Germán Sopeña.

Also displayed are documents illustrating Moreno´s collaborations with the Natural History Museum in London and in connection with his work in setting up the Argentine National Parks service one of the first countries in the world to have such an organization.

The original exhibition was organised by Ciencias y Artes Patagonia (Coord. María Victoria Canullo and Dolores Elkin) based in Puerto Madryn, in collaboration with the Centro Cultural Borges (María Pía Moreira) and the newspaper La Nación (ed. Germán Sopeña), in Buenos Aires, and with the Magic Penny Trust, London (Robin Willson). With respect to the Scottish Antarctic correspondence, their inclusion would have been impossible without the generous cooperation of the Museo de la Patagonia Bariloche (Cecelia Girgente and Tam Muro).

The assitance of the Argentine Embassy in London in transporting the photographs to Edinburgh is much appreciated. In these times of rapidly improving relations between Britain and Argentina, it is hoped that this centenary exhibition may help in a small way to realise again, Moreno´s vision of greater international scientific cooperation, a vision which was so warmly applauded 100 years ago.

It is hoped that the exhibition will be transferred to London In April. It is perhaps fitting, however that it should first be shown in Edinburgh for two reasons.

First, Moreno was a great admirer of David Livingstone, the famous Scottish explorer. He refers on the first page of his first book how from an early age he was inspired by "this true apostle who so well combined the ideas of Christ with science". Later in the same book he describes how, when looking out over a beautiful lake in southern Patagonia he understands how Livingstone must have felt looking out over Tanganika. (Since that day the lake has been called Lago Argentino, the same lake into which what is known today as the Perito Moreno glacier, slowly slides)

Finally, for the Magic Penny Trust who, through Magic Penny Patagonia have provided the driving force behind the exhibition, the Edinburgh venue and Bruce´s setting up of a magnetic observatory on South Orkney, brings back happy memories. The Trust might not have taken off in the way it has, if it had not been for the wonderful reception Magic Pennies with their magnetic escapades received at their initial presentation at the Edinburgh International Science Festival in 1993!