Virtually every stereotypical character of stage and screen can be found somewhere in this Victorian-era group scene – every university don, scientist, explorer, adventurer, politician, barrister, special investigator, dapper gentleman, socialite, clerk and schoolmarm is represented! It is also a textbook fashion catalogue of the time (1880s). There are hiking sticks, but nearly every man has his cane and every woman her bumbershoot.
Is this serious group made up of ordinary tourists on an extended European holiday, or might they be members of a geology or natural history organization? Whether for business or fun, they are intent on projecting the image that suits their perceptions of themselves. Contrary to their expectations, they are a treat for 21st century eyes.
In our own or the next century, will there be any glaciers to visit?
