Sir Edmund Hillary

MOUNTAIN MAN: The amazing adventures and achievments of the world's most prestigeous mountaineer

"People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things."
- Sir Edmund Hillary

Edmund Percival Hillary’s father was a beekeeper, an occupation a young Ed also pursued. Hillary began climbing in New Zealand’s Southern Alps while in high school. After military service in World War II, he resumed climbing and became determined to scale Everest. In 1951 he joined a New Zealand party to the central Himalayas and later that year participated in a British reconnaissance expedition of the southern flank of Everest. He was subsequently invited to join the team of mountaineers planning to climb the peak.

The well-organized expedition was launched in the spring of 1953, and a high camp was established by mid-May. After a pair of climbers failed to reach the top on May 27, Hillary and Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay set out for it early on May 29; by late morning they were standing on the summit. The two shook hands, then Tenzing embraced his partner. Hillary took photographs, and both searched for signs that George Mallory, a British climber lost on Everest in 1924, had been on the summit. Hillary left behind a crucifix, and Tenzing, a Buddhist, made a food offering. After spending about 15 minutes on the peak, they began their descent. They were met back at camp by their colleague W.G. Lowe, to whom Hillary reputedly said, “Well, George, we knocked the bastard off.” He made other expeditions to the Everest region during the early 1960s but never again tried to climb to the top.

Hillary didn’t anticipated the acclaim that would follow the historic ascent. He was knighted in 1953, shortly after the expedition returned to London. From 1985 to 1988 he served as New Zealand’s high commissioner to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Over the years numerous other honors were bestowed upon him, including the Order of the Garter in 1995. Throughout it, however, he maintained a high level of humility, and his main interest came to be the welfare of the Himalayan peoples of Nepal, especially the Sherpas. Through the Himalayan Trust, which he founded in 1960, he built schools, hospitals, and airfields for them. This dedication to the Sherpas lasted into his later years and was recognized in 2003, when, as part of the observance of the 50th anniversary of his and Tenzing’s climb, he was made an honorary citizen of Nepal.

On January 11, 2008, Hillary died of heart failure at the Auckland City Hospital at the age of 88. Hillary's death was announced by New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark around 11:20 am. She stated that his death was a "profound loss to New Zealand." His death was recognized by the lowering of flags to half-mast on all Government and public buildings and at Scott Base in Antarctica. Actor and adventurer Brian Blessed, who attempted to climb Everest three times, described Sir Edmund as a "kind of titan."

About Our Collection:

Our 'Mountain Man' Currated Collection is a stellar assemblage of premium photographs autographed by Sir Edmund Hillary for a private signing JG Autographs Inc. held with the world's premier adventurer and philanthropist just prior to his passing. A variety of historic poses documents his origins as a beekeeper in New Zealand, his iconic ascent to the peak of Everest, his humanitarian work with the people of Nepal and the importance he placed on family; the later illustrated by a candid black and white shot with his second wife June, additionally signed by Mrs. Hillary. Some of his most motivational and inspirational quotes are showcased on a set of numbered, limited edition prints. A number of desired sizes available, all photographs are printed on glossy Fuji crystal archival stock.

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