The role of Duncan Carse in the Grahamland Peninsular Expedition was recognised by the Silver Polar Medal and clasp in 1939. He was awarded a second clasp in 1982 for the leadership of the South Georgia Surveys, the mapping of which was of immense value during the Falklands conflict. After the war, he was one of the voices of the BBC Radio star Dick Barton, Special Agent and he continued as a broadcaster on both radio and television into the 1980s. His Antarctic contribution is acknowledged through the naming of Carse Point and the 2300m Mount Carse on South Georgia.

Sculptor Jon Edgar knew Duncan Carse for nearly 20 years, initially working for him and his wife whilst a student. Over the last few years, Edgar had suggested that Carse might like to sit for a portrait study in clay. He died in his 91^st year soon after agreeing to this, but in conversation with his widow Venetia, it was decided that it would be appropriate to work on the sculpture. Working from a family archive of photos spanning over 70 years, Edgar assembled some 40 images of the head of the polar explorer, giving the varied profiles necessary to guide the work forward. This, and the memory of facial characteristics and character from countless conversations over tea at the kitchen table, gave rise to the terracotta head, slightly over life size, which his wife Venetia Carse and close friends and family examined to help shape the final work. She hopes that it may reveal his inner strength, freedom of spirit and artistic sensitivity; the deep mystic needing space for contemplation on mountains and sea. A leader, a man able to impart a stern rebuke, steadfastly refusing to compromise with the lure of money or fame, yet possessing a far-reaching kindness and readiness to laugh.

The first of a bronze edition of VI was cast during 2005. At their last meeting in 2004, Carse gave Jon Edgar two large sections of Pear wood from the Sussex garden he loved for over 40 years. The sculptures that eventually emerge from these blocks (Carse I and II) will provide further fitting reminders to the man and to his wife Venetia , wherever they might be sited.

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