Plaster model of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks
This 10-inch-to-the-mile scale model of Everest, originally built in 1952 by Cockade Limited, Modelmakers, Craftsmen and Designers, with assistance from mountaineer Eric Shipton and the Royal Geographical Society, was shown at that year's British Industries Fair (Earls Court).
It attracted the attention of both the visiting Royal party and Pathé News, who filmed the model there on 4th May 1952. The model was subsequently re-worked based on information provided by the Society's 1953 Expedition.
In 1954, the Board of Trade centred the British Industries Fair around an 'Everest Court', enabling the 1953 Expedition's suppliers and manufacturers to exhibit. Expedition leader John Hunt spoke appreciatively of the contribution of such technologies to the success of their venture, thereby encouraging British companies to continue in their innovative work.
Conservation efforts
From 2001 until 2007, this model was displayed at Rheged, Cumbria, as part of their National Mountaineering Exhibition, whereafter it was returned to the Society for permanent display in its Fine Rooms.
In July 2023 the Society employed conservators, Plowden and Smith to carry out a comprehensive programme of cleaning and conservation on the model to make good many years of accumulated dust and accidental damage to the plaster surface.
Cockade Limited was incorporated in 1946 and existed until 1990 at which time it was taken over by Slotextra Limited. This company was dissolved in 2016.
