Objects Database

Whillan's Alpiniste Rucksack

Accession Number

571.2008.1

Object Name

Whillan's Alpiniste Rucksack

Created

01/12/2008

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

01/12/2008

Brief Description

Canvas rucksack with leather base. Drawstring top with rope missing, leather straps, metal buckles. Zipped pocket in hood which has blue lining. Loop for carrying ice axe.

Materials

leather, metal, canvas

Dimensions

62(l) x 40(w) x 12.5(d) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Colour

brown, black, blue

Maker

Karrimor

Object Production Place

England

Provenance

Collaboration between legendary British mountaineer, Don Whillans and the equally famous, British rucksack manufacturer, Karrimor, led to the creation of the Alpiniste, a mini rucksack legend itself in the 1960’s/70’s.
The many features of the sack are highlighted in the Karrimor advert opposite and it’s interesting to note that Don says;
“ I have quality as my first aim, cost always being a secondary consideration”
What he meant of course was that the Alpiniste was quite expensive..one would have cost you £9.25 in 1970.
Fashion ruled though because they looked good, were functional, hard wearing,stylish and somewhat of a cult sack in the good old days.
They were also an identification feature in the Alps with a message to the continentals “ Watch out ! The Brits are coming through!”

Acquisition Date

01/12/2008

Condition Check Date

28/04/2009

Normal Location

Bohuntin

Current Location

Bohuntin

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

28/04/2009

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