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First helicopter glacier landing, Muldrow glacier, Alaska 1949 Photo: Brad Washburn

The phrase "living legend" is over-used, but in the case of Bradford Washburn, this description is no less than wholly appropriate.

At 92, Washburn's life reads like a list of achievements to be envied by every explorer on the 20th century, the likes of which may never be seen again. Explorer, geographer, mountaineer, cartographer and photographer, he has been an innovator in all of these areas from an early age.

By the age of 20, Washburn had written four books on mountaineering; in 1936, he interviewed for the position of navigator on Amelia Earhart's round-the-world flight, only to withdraw from consideration over his concerns about the lack of radio contact for the Pacific leg of the flight (where Earhart ultimately disappeared).

He studied aerial surveying and photography at Harvard, and instituted such improvements to the accuracy and definition of maps that they are still in use by climbers today. He is responsible for definitive maps of mountains including McKinley/Denali, the Grand Canyon and Everest. At 88, he led a scientific team in the Himalayas which would determine the true height of Everest (See MountainZone's Coverage and Interview). Washburn has worked in Alaska 66 times, most recently in 1999.

Over the years, Brad Washburn has assembled a breathtaking collection of photography. Now, for the first time, there will be a public showing of his work, to coincide with the release of his book, "On High," to be released in February.

MountainZone.com thanks the Michael Hoppen Gallery for allowing us to publish these photos from the exhibit, which will take place from February 13th through April 19th. For more information, or to purchase prints, visit the gallery's web site.