Early expeditions to Everest

It is 90 years since the first British expedition to the world's highest mountain - but the jagged peaks and deep crevasses of the Himalayas successfully defended Everest's summit from human footsteps for another three decades.

To mark the anniversary of the first trip in 1921, the Royal Geographical Society is staging an exhibition of the most evocative expedition images - culminating with Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary's successful 1953 ascent. Take a look - with mountaineer and travel photographer Martin Hartley.

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The Everest Generation can be seen at Hoopers Gallery in central London from 21 October to 25 November 2011.

All images courtesy Royal Geographical Society and subject to copyright.

Music courtesy Reliable Source Music. Slideshow production by Paul Kerley. Publication date 17th October 2011.

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Royal Geographical Society

Martin Hartley photography

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