Screening & Talk with Cumbria book launch of ‘Behind Everest – Ruth Mallory’s Story’ with Kate Nicholson

The Epic of Everest 100th anniversary screening
First restored and released by the BFI national archives in 2014, The Epic of Everest (1924) reaches its centenary this year.
The official record of 1924 Everest expedition culminated in the deaths of two of the finest climbers of their generation, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine on 8 or 9 June 1924. It sparked an ongoing debate over whether they did indeed reach the summit.
Filmed in brutally harsh conditions with a specially adapted camera, Captain John Noel captured images of breathtaking beauty and considerable historic significance.
Featuring music score by Simon Fisher Turner (Caravaggio, Blue)
Uk1924| 88 mins| B 7 W and tinted| silent with music.

Illustrated Talk & Book Launch: ‘Behind Everest – Ruth Mallory’s story’ with author Kate Nicholson
Following the film, we are delighted to welcome Kate Nicholson to Rheged, author of the brand new biography ‘Behind Everest – Ruth Mallory’s story” published in April 24. In this fascinating talk, you find out what George’s wife, Ruth, was doing at the time of the first ascent and discover more about the famous attempts of 1921-24 from Ruth Mallory’s perspective.
Following two decades of research, Kate unveils the real story behind George and Ruth’s marriage and Ruth’s upbringing amongst the Arts & Crafts ‘royalty’ as daughter of a strong feminist. Kate through her research discovered an inspiring woman, a climber, an artist, a lover and a devoted friend. Kate hopes to bring Ruth out from the wings, from behind Everest, to find out what it was like to be Ruth.
There will be a book signing following the talk.
[Ruth] is in the shadow when she should share the light. She lost [George] towards death four times; once to war and three times to the mountain. To know only George’s side of things, to see only through his eyes and those of the men who accompanied him, is to see an incomplete Everest, a partial myth, and to further confirm the heroic-tragic male mountaineering/exploration paradigm.’ – Robert MacFarlane, Author of Mountains of the Mind.
30-40 minute talk with slide and video clips

£16pp

2h 8m plus 15 minute interval between film and talk