From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the great outdoors, initially exploring the South Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales as a teenager. It wasn’t until my 30s that I ventured into the Lake District, where I later discovered Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells.
My wife, Priscilla, and I embarked on the Pennine Way and Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk in 2013 and 2015, respectively. During these adventures, I encountered Wainwright’s guidebooks, instantly entranced by their handcrafted artistry. This sparked a deep interest in learning more about Wainwright.
In 2016, I delved into researching Wainwright’s publications. I established an Alfred Wainwright Facebook page and a dedicated group in 2017 to connect with fellow enthusiasts. This community flourished, becoming a hub for shared passion and knowledge.
My ongoing research connected me with several of Wainwright’s former associates, gaining invaluable insights. In 2019, I became the custodian of an extensive collection of Westmorland Gazette Wainwright book printing materials, a treasure trove of his publishing history.
In spring 2020, I launched this website to catalogue these finds, showcasing the breadth of Wainwright’s work. Concurrently, I’m working on a potential Wainwright exhibition to share his extraordinary legacy. Throughout this journey, the support I’ve received has been immense, especially from my wife, Priscilla.
Having published articles and appeared on television and radio discussing Wainwright, and after releasing my book Wainwright Memories, I continue to give talks, unveiling unique Wainwright memorabilia and untold stories. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to discover Wainwright’s timeless work and the landscapes he cherished.
The year 2025 marked the 70th anniversary of The Eastern Fells, Alfred Wainwright’s first Pictorial Guide. To honour this milestone, my Alfred Wainwright collection was the subject of a major exhibition at The Armitt, Ambleside, which ran throughout the year. It was exceptionally well received, attracting visitors and Wainwright enthusiasts from across the UK and further afield.
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Please use the contact form on the website for any speaking engagements or other business inquiries.
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The title photo was taken by Richard Else, BBC Producer, near Haystacks using the same Nikon FM2 camera used to photograph Wainwright in the original 1980s TV series.