The Alpine Club in the UK is celebrating a century of Everest history by inviting everyone to join them for an online tour of their special exhibit. “Those Who Were There” presents photos, memorabilia, and information from the 1920s British expeditions to Everest.
Mallory and Norton in their tweeds and soft hats, without oxygen, climbing at 27,000 ft. on the first attempt at the summit of Everest, May 1922. Photo: Alpine Club Library Collection
The exhibition is physically open to the public at their London premises until October 20, but those of us who can’t visit in person can still enjoy the experience. The Alpine Club will live-stream the exhibition on September 27 from 4 pm GMT. The half-hour broadcast will be available on the Alpine Club’s Facebook page.
Old, heavyweight O2 bottle. Photo: Alpine Club Library Collection
Club librarian Beth Hodgett will guide and narrate the tour. Artifacts on display include the watercolors of Howard Somervell, a piece of the mountain itself, and Sandy Irvine’s ice ax.
“During the past 18 months it has been especially hard, and at times impossible, for everyone who might wish to attend the exhibition to see it in person,” exhibition curator Barbara Grigor-Taylor said. This online event will give large numbers of people access for the first time.
Sandy Irvine at Everest BC in 1924. Photo: Alpine Club Library Collection
First steps for Mallory
The 1921 British Mount Everest reconnaissance expedition, launched by the Royal Geographic Society and the Alpine Club, ventured into Tibet, crossed the Nangpa-La, and descended to the Rongbuk Glacier to seek a way up the mountain.
Led by Charles Howard-Bury, the team included a young George Mallory on his first visit to the Himalaya. They made it as far as the North Col. From there, Mallory, who had become a climbing leader, first saw his path to glory and his fate. Both unfolded in subsequent expeditions in 1922 and 1924.
Photo: Alpine Club Library Collection
