The original footage of one of the first attempts to climb the highest mountain in the world is showing at the Aros Centre in Portree, Isle of Skye, from 25th to 28 November.
The climax of Mallory and Irvine's 1924 expedition up Everest is still shrouded in mystery. Even today, nobody knows for certain whether or not Mallory and Irvine died before they reached the summit. Though the end of their adventure is lost, footage of their journey still survives.
We have Captain John Noel to thank for the images of Mallory and Irvine, appearing as ants against an unending expanse of snow and ice. Noel kept his hand steady in brutally harsh conditions, using a specially adapted camera to show the world an escapade and an environment they had never seen or even imagined. It was also Noel who originally reconnoitred the mountain, in disguise whilst on leave from his Indian regiment in 1913. Noel’s daughter Sandra is understandably thrilled that his film has been restored/ even played his part in this restoration, having spoken to the British Film Institute before his death in 1989 about creating a definitive version of his original film.
When asked why he wanted to climb Everest, Mallory replied ‘Because it is there’, capturing the spirit of many a determined climber. After his first two attempts in 1921 and 1922, Mallory spent 1923 lecturing in the United Kingdom and North America about the challenges met by the first two attempts, preparing for what was to be his last expedition. Irvine had far less experience, having climbed only in the Lake District and North Wales. During the expedition, he completely revolutionised their oxygen apparatus, making it far lighter and easier to use.
The Epic of Everest captures the bravery and vulnerability of these two men, as they literally face their Everest. It really is quite something to see the pair explore blue-tinted ice caverns for the first time in their hobnailed boots and gabardine jackets, the deep red Himalayan sunset and glaciers glittering in low light. Check times and buy tickets at the Aros Centre website.