The National Mountaineering Exhibition at Rheged was the Mountain Heritage Trust's first major project. It was opened by Prime Minister Tony Blair and ran from 2001-2007; it was visited by around 250,000 people and received a 99% visitor satisfaction rating.

The Exhibition was designed to reflect the rich and vibrant history of mountaineering. Many renowned climbers contributed to this project and organisations such as the Alpine Club, the Fell and Rock Climbing Club and the Royal Geographical Society also loaned items for display.

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The exhibition included sections on the early history of mountaineering:

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Displays to track changes in kit and clothing over time:

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Sections on contemporary climbing:

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Displays on historic expeditions including the 1924 Everest expedition:

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And the 1955 Kangchenjunga expedition (below: George Band and Joe Brown at the exhibition launch):

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Be part of the Mountain Heritage Trust's future by donating to our 20th anniversary appeal justgiving.com/campaign/MHT20th

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