A suitcase believed to have been owned by the explorer who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun has been found under a bed. Antiques expert David Harper stated the suitcase, which bears the unique design of Egyptologist Howard Carter's initials, was gifted to his colleague John Healey prior to his death. After Healey passed away in the early 1970s, the suitcase was kept under his son's bed in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.
Harper described the item as "mind-boggling," adding, "These cases carried important documents including artifacts from Tutankhamun's tomb." He emphasized Carter and his team's significance, accredited with discovering the treasures of King Tut's tomb during their 1922 excavation inside the Valley of the Kings, Egypt.
Mr. Harper, hailing from Barnard Castle, mentioned he was approached by the suitcase's owner—Mr. Healey's son—who wanted to sell the item. He commented on how Healey and Carter were "firm mates" working together during the 1930s. Harper confirmed the suitcase's authenticity, citing the unique design of the monogrammed initials 'HC' on it. "Next to the H is a back-to-front C, so no matter what way the case came off a boat, you can read 'HC'," he explained.
The suitcase is scheduled for auction on February 27, 2025, with estimates ranging from £1,000 to £1,500. Harper also expressed slight apprehension concerning the legendary curse associated with Tutankhamun's tomb, jokingly noting how he "drove steadily" to the auction house with the case stowed away in his car boot. He comically added, "He's been sleeping on top of it for 50 years and he looks all right!"
Meanwhile, pushing boundaries of exploration is Ukrainian polar researcher Yurii Lyshenko, who bravely returned to Antarctica after sustaining severe injuries during military service. Lyshenko was stationed at the Vernadsky Research Base when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Following this traumatic period, he enlisted and became part of the Armed Forces, where he fought valiantly but suffered severe injuries from a mine blast, leading to the amputation of part of his leg.
Despite these significant challenges, Lyshenko rejoined the Antarctic expedition—a remarkable comeback for someone who has contributed so much to expeditionary science. His past includes working as a diesel-electric engineer and being integral to equipping Ukraine's first icebreaker, the James Clark Ross, transformed for seasonal expeditions. His notable prior achievements reflect his dedication to the mission of Ukrainian Antarctic science, especially as he took part in overhauling the Vernadsky Research Base by replacing outdated diesel engines.
"It was he who put in extraordinary effort to re-register the British vessel James Clark Ross... and fully prepare it for the first Antarctic season, which began just before the invasion of Ukraine," reported the National Antarctic Scientific Center.
Lyshenko joined the seasonal Antarctic expedition again, willing to utilize his unique knowledge and experience to oversee the operation of the new, eco-friendly engines at the research base. The Ukrainian Antarctic Scientific Center expressed gratitude for his dedication, saying, "Thank you for your resilience, strength, and dedication to Ukraine and our shared Antarctic mission."
Adding to the narrative of exploration is best-selling author Levison Wood, who plans to share his extraordinary experiences during his national tour titled Walking the World: A Life of Exploration and Adventure. Scheduled for May 27 at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing, Wood will convey stories from over 120 countries, transporting audiences across the icy peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-scorched deserts of Arabia and the volatile borders of the Middle East.
Wood eagerly anticipates the engagement with audiences, stating, "I have had many unforgettable experiences over the years, from surprising moments of beauty to perilous adventures... I am thrilled to be back on tour sharing these stories face-to-face with everyone." The event will also reveal exclusive insights about his new book The Great Tree Story: How Forests Have Shaped Our World and his experiences developing his latest film.
He aims to inspire others by sharing the energies of his live contributions and experiences. The interconnected experiences of Lyshenko, Carter, and Wood demonstrate the resilience inherent to humanity's quest for exploration. Each of these narratives not only amplifies the spirit of exploration but also highlights how courageously overcoming adversity can spark interest and passion for the great unknown.