Mount Everest Foundation
The Mount Everest Foundation (MEF) is jointly administered by the Alpine Club and the Society. It funds exploratory scientific and mountaineering objectives in the world's mountain regions.
In May 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of the highest peak in the world during a British-led expedition.
An increasing interest from the public in the expedition led to the publication of John Hunt’s The ascent of Everest (1953), a national lecture series, and the acclaimed film The conquest of Everest, collectively raising £100,000 in capital.
In February 1955, Sir John Hunt announced the creation of the Mount Everest Foundation (MEF), dedicated to promoting the exploration of the world’s mountain regions.
The MEF has since provided support to mountaineering and scientific expeditions which endeavour to reach previously unclimbed peaks or unexplored regions which gather new geographic or scientific knowledge.
Notable first ascents and climbs
Since it was established, the MEF has provided financial backing for numerous first ascents and new routes on some of the world's highest peaks, including Everest, Kangchenjunga, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Xixabangma, Nanga Parbat, Nuptse, and Kongur.
Additionally, it has supported climbs on lower technical peaks such as Baintha Brakk (the Ogre), Changabang, Spantik, Taweche, Siguniang and Nyanchen Tanglha Southeast.
- Exhibition
Everest through the lens
Another chance to see the Society's exhibition marking the centenary of the early Everest expeditions. Explore how Captain John Noel's films shaped the public's imagination of Everest, while obscuring the vital role of local intermediaries.
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)Open to all20 Jan 2025 - 15 Apr 2025 - Non-Society event
Pioneering pensioners: Mick Fowler and Victor Saunders
An evening with the infamous Vic and Mick, two legends of the mountaineering world who have been climbing together for over 40 years.
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)Open to allThursday 27 March 2025
View our Everest exhibitions online
If you'd like to learn more about Everest, our Collections team has prepared some informative, educational, exciting online exhibitions.
Reimagining the Himalaya through the lens of diasporic indigeneity
This online exhibition aims to reimagine the Himalaya region from the perspective of its Indigenous communities within the UK diaspora.
Everest - a reconnaissance
This exhibition showcases a selection of platinum prints made from the newly digitised negatives of the 1921 British Mount Everest Reconnaissance Expedition.
Everest 24
This exhibition showcases the full breadth of the our Collection material relating to the Everest expeditions of the 1920s and draws attention to the stories and invaluable contributions of the indigenous intermediaries.
