Artefacts

Our artefacts collection (PDF) includes over a thousand items brought to the Society, consisting mainly of three item types:

• Cultural objects from around the world. These range from Inuit boots (from Canadian Arctic) to ceremonial leopard’s claws (from the then Belgian Congo)
• Paraphernalia of exploration for example, oxygen sets used in the various attempts on Everest
• Personal items formerly belonging to some of the world’s greatest explorers, such as Shackleton’s Burberry helmet

Artefacts from the collection have been loaned to exhibitions around the world and are in continual demand, therefore, it is not always possible to see them here. However, you can usually find an image of the artefact from the Picture Library collection.

It is always advisable to book in advance to access our artefacts for research. When not on loan, our artefacts are housed in temperature- and humidity-controlled secure stores.

The Society has also begun a process of creating replicas for regularly requested items. These include Stanley’s pith helmet and Scott’s food bags.