The Society has an extensive collection of films, housed at the British Film Institute (BFI), which represent a unique record of British scientific exploration and geographical documentary film-making from 1922 to 1979. With funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the BFI has been digitising the Society’s film collection, and all the films are now available to watch on the BFI online player.
Accompanying the digitisation of the film collection are two upcoming events showcasing featured expeditions.
On Friday 17 November, the Society will screen John Noel’s 1922 film of the second attempt to summit Everest. This includes footage of the journey from Darjeeling to Tibet, the first film of Tibetans, and the climb itself. The screening will be accompanied by a silent film musician and followed by a Q+A.
And on Monday 20 November, there will be a Be Inspired Collections talk where Dr Jonathan Westway will explore the world of Sir Clarmont Skrine – Society Fellow, British diplomat and talented amateur film-maker – whose films are held in the Collections.
Explore the collection on the BFI Player