Objects Database

Grivel Mont Blanc ice axe.

Accession Number

940.2011.1

Object Name

Grivel Mont Blanc ice axe.

Created

24/10/2011

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

24/10/2011

Brief Description

'Grivel Mont Blanc' ice axe, steel head, wooden shaft, serrated pick, adze. Hole through middle of axe head. Metal shaft with rubberised grip.Yellow wrist leash.

Dimensions

Shaft & ferrule 54(l) x 9(cir)cms. Head 32(l) cms. Adze 6 (w)cms.

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

"GRIVEL MONT BLANC" inscribed on shaft with crossed ice axe motif.On pick "GOULOTTES" MADE IN ITALY " Also "GRIVEL MONT BLANC" with crossed ice axe motif. "GRIVEL" sewn on yellow leash.

Colour

black, yellow

Maker

Grivel

Object Production Place

Italy

Provenance

Though not particularly unusual as an ice axe, this Grivel Mont Blanc, has a very fine, if rather sad, pedigree. It belonged to American climbing legend, Charlie Fowler. Born in a 1950's North Carolina, Charlie went on to become one of America's most prolific climbers, both on rock and on the world's highest mountains - including Everest. In October 2006, Charlie left for China with his climbing partner, Christine Boskoff; the plan being to attempt several unclimbed peaks. Sadly, neither of them came home - both being swept away in an avalanche on Mount Genyen. Much has been written about Charlie and his life, one of the last volumes being a little book inspired by his niece, Lindsey, which is called "Mountain Star". You'll find it elsewhere in the collection.Though American, Charlie had a great affinity with Scotland, the photo opposite being taken on a climbing trip in Mingulay with Mick Tighe in 1997.

Acquisition Method

Donated by Ginny Fowler Hicks

Acquisition Date

24/10/2011

Condition Check Date

24/10/2011

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

24/10/2011

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