Objects Database

Richard Pontvert D-Sup Rock Boots

Accession Number

1614.2021.1

Object Name

Richard Pontvert D-Sup Rock Boots

Created

25/06/2021

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

25/06/2021

Brief Description

Pair of Richard Pontvert D- Sup Rock Boots with red laces.

Materials

suede, rubber, nylon

Dimensions

28(L) x 9(W) cms

Number Of Objects

1 pair

Inscription Description

Circle on outside with "D-SUP"
On inside label "RICHARD PONTVERT MADE IN FRANCE"

Colour

orange, beige,black, red laces

Maker

Richard Pontvert

Object Production Place

France

Provenance

Frenchman, Pierre Allain, was the first man to develop a smooth soled boot specifically for rock climbing in the 1930’s, his initials ultimately giving way to the collective term for rock boots..P.A’s.
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of variations of the original design have followed in the ensuing decades and back in 1977 another Frenchman, Richard Pontvert, created the version we have here in the collection. Pontvert was a bespoke boot maker as can be seen in this fine pair of boots which, as a bonus, are unused and in mint condition.
We have often wondered about the connection between Richard Pontvert and Galibier but it seems they are the same.
Rather a lengthy story to relate but it stems from a thing called a Paraboot, a history of which you can find on the internet. Galibier is basically a rebranding of Richard Pontvert’s original Paraboot.
One of the ads opposite shows our boots marketed by Galibier having been made by Pontvert. It also tells us that Troll were the UK importers in the 1970’s.
D- Sup is short for the French climbing grade Difficile Superior which is roughly equivalent to the British H.V.S/E1 though with Alpine connotations.
The implication is that you will climb at that level if you buy a pair of these boots!

Acquisition Date

25/06/2021

Condition Check Date

25/06/2021

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

25/06/2021

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