An exhibition celebrating a final landmark in African exploration has opened in Selborne.

Frank Oates had good reason to celebrate New Years Day in 1875 as he saw Victoria Falls after nearly two years of trying and navigating the African interior.

It was a day “never to be forgotten” but his long and successful expedition was also his last, as the 34-year-old contracted a fever just a month later and died.

Gilbert White’s House & Gardens, which is home to the Frank Oates collection, will mark the 150thanniversary of his biggest achievement and ultimately death with a special exhibition.

Their Reaching the Falls: Frank Oates’ last expedition opened on October 15 and will run until February 6.

The display tracks the last few months of Frank’s expedition, his frustrations and triumphs, as he inches towards the wonder of nature known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya.

Visitors to the Selborne museum will see extracts from his diaries and letters which illustrate what it was like for Oates. The exhibition also includes items from the collection not usually on display and an exposition on the explorer’s legacy.

“The anniversary of Frank Oates reaching the Victoria Falls and his death, gives us the perfect opportunity to both celebrate the life of Oates and his amazing adventure in Southern Africa,” said Kimberley James, collections manager at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens.

“It also gives us the chance to reflect on the legacy of colonisation and the effect it’s had on the climate of that area today.”

She added: “We don’t get a lot of chances here at the museum to delve deeper into Frank Oates’ story, so it always excitng to be able to put on display items from our African collection that are usually in storage”.

Frank Oates was one of the first Europeans to see the falls in full flow, as he reached the area in December-January rather than the recommended summer and autumn months.

The sight was especially magnificent as the rains fall in that part of Africa during the winter and spring months.

But the achievement also came at a high price, as the risk of fever is much higher during the period.

Frank’s diary makes fascinating reading as he records meeting other European settlers, explorers and hunters in his accounts before describing the falls in all their majestic glory.

He also writes about his time in the court of King Lobengula, King of the Ndebele and his days travelling through the vast plains of Southern Africa, recording the flora and fauna he saw.

Entry to the exhibition is free with admission to the museum, which opens from 10.30m to 4pm every Tuesday to Sunday.

Keep an eye www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk and socials for news on any other related events.

* New light will be shed on the story of Gilbert White later this month as the museum will host an innovating and illuminating festival.

Christmas Lights aren’t the only things being switched on this month around East Hampshire as White’s Eco Light Festival will be launched on November 21.

The EHDC and Arts Council-funded event is billed as a “light festival with a difference” as it will feature renewable energy soucrs, solar power and low-level lighting to bring new life to the pages of The Natural History of Selborne.

More at https://gilbert-white-house-and-gardens.arttickets.org.uk/