It is with great sadness that we learned that Joe Brown died peacefully at home after a long illness.
Joe Brown was one of the greatest climbers of the 20th century. He established hard new rock climbing routes in the Peak District and Snowdonia in the 1950s and 60s; he took part in the televised climb of the Old Man of Hoy in 1967, which was watched by 15 million people, and was a member of the formidable Rock and Ice Club.
Joe made many ascents in the mountains of the Alps with his fellow Rock and Ice members; he also made the first ascents of Kangchenjunga (1955 with George Band) and the west summit of Muztagh Tower (1956 with Ian McNaught-Davis).
As well as active climbing and mountaineering, Joe Brown played a key role in climbing equipment development and distribution. He was one of the earliest creators and users of climbing nuts and often tested equipment out for Frank Davies, the owner of the Climbers' Shop in Ambleside. Frank Davies also stocked Joe's own equipment, including the iconic Joe Brown climbing helmet (made in partnership with Mo Anthoine), before Joe and his wife Val opened a climbing shop in Snowdonia.
A legendary climber and an inspiration to generations of climbers, we are honoured that Joe served as a Patron for the Mountain Heritage Trust; today we are sharing photographs and objects which we hope will inspire fond memories.
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