Artists, Tracy Myers and Krys Leach, in their studio. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

When contemplating a special holiday to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary most couples would surely dream of luxury and tropical sunshine.

Whale Town by Tracy Myers

But for artists Krys Leach, 54, and Tracy Myers, 52, a vision of palm-fringed beaches never once entered their head – instead they wanted to follow in the footsteps of legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton on an expedition through the snowy wastes of Antarctica.

Four years after realising their dream on a three-week cruise around Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands, the couple from Honing, near Stalham, have joined forces with five other artists they met on the ship to display work inspired by the trip.

Their collective work will go on show in a free exhibition, Deep South, at Wymondham Arts Centre, from March 22 to April 14.

Bleak and rugged images of the icy wilderness contrast with stunning pictures of teaming wildlife and work that shows man’s impact on the pristine environment.

Ice Shelter by Krys Leach

Tracy, who works in television production, has a passion for printmaking and typically uses computer techniques to digitally transform a photograph or drawing inspired by a photograph.

She is fascinated by man’s battle with the inhospitable environment where Shackleton’s adventures ended in his premature death, and one of her works in the exhibition depicts an abandoned whaling station.

Krys, a freelance cameraman, paints in oils but adds his own stamp, using marble dust mixed in the paint to create unusual textures. His exhibition work includes dramatic snowscapes.

The display, first shown at Dulwich College, Shackleton’s alma mater, was the inspiration of one of the other artists they met, Libby Jones, of Twickenham.

The couple have travelled as far afield as Australia and the Galapagos Islands to indulge their passion for art.

However, despite having to brave blizzards and a storm on the cruise that were so severe that they had to strap themselves into bed, they were bowled over by the landscape, wildlife and light of Antarctica.

There will be a raffle of original work by the artists at the exhibition to raise funds for charities with interests in the Antarctic/South Georgia area.