Objects Database

Karrimor Waist belt/Sleeve

Accession Number

1288.2015.1

Object Name

Karrimor Waist belt/Sleeve

Created

14/12/2015

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

14/12/2015

Brief Description

Cotton and nylon waist belt with metal buckle and metal gear loops.

Materials

cotton, metal, nylon

Dimensions

82(L) x 6(W) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

"kp a KARRIMOR PRODUCT AVENUE PARADE ACCRINGTON LANCS. ENGLAND" on inside label.

Colour

red, grey

Maker

Karrimor

Object Production Place

England

Provenance

With a few notable exceptions such as the first ascent of Mont Blanc by Jaques Balmat in 1786, the sport of mountaineering didn't really get into full swing until around 1860. The period from then until the outbreak of the first world war in 1914 is often called the Golden Age of Mountaineering. Mountaineeers during this time, and for almost a 100 years after, attached themselves to their ropes by simply tying it round the waist, usually with a bowline. It took them rather a long time to realise that this was a rather uncomfortable procedure, particularly in the event of a fall and in the 1960's they started to do something about it.
Padded belts were the first to appear, the idea being that the rope could be threaded through the sheath on the outside with the padding ,making life more comfortable whilst absorbing some of the shock in the event of a fall.
We have an excellent example of an early belt/sleeve here in the collection. It was made by Karrimor, we think around 1970, and was kindly donated by Alistair Ballantine of Glenrothes.

Acquisition Method

Donated by Alistair Ballantine

Acquisition Date

14/12/2015

Condition Check Date

14/12/2015

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

14/12/2015

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