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Wainwright Memories is required reading but more than that, it must be kept safe. For it is a book worth stroking, reading, and basically treating like a precious treasure. Could that be anything to do with the author, Chris Butterfield, who is an ardent admirer, not to mention collector of all things Wainwright? Well, of course.
Butterfield has turned his passion for Wainwright’s life and work into 220 pages printed on high-quality photographic paper, containing invaluable insights from Wainwright’s former publisher, Andrew Nichol and recreations of beloved Wainwright photographs. It is beautifully presented, and quite frankly, is the No 1 gift for a walker, or Wainwright fan.
‘Never let it be said that you can’t turn your life’s passion into your work,” says Butterfield. ‘I can’t think of anything more worthwhile than introducing more people to Wainwright and to the Lake District itself. There’s no more beautiful place on earth to walk and lose a day… or two.”
Hmmm, actually the Yorkshire Dales are pretty good too, just saying, and Hadrian’s Wall has views that satisfy. Perhaps an idea for Butterfield to pursue? But enough of my ramblings…
So, what is within the covers?
Wainwright Memories chronicles three little-known stories involving Alfred Wainwright that took place over three consecutive years, 1988-90. The stories are based on reminiscences by Wainwright’s former publisher Andrew Nichol and include illustrative maps by Pictorial Guide reviser Chris Jesty.
Chris Butterfield, an inveterate walker, grabs us by the hand, and revisits several locations featured in each story. In this way past and present photographs and stories take us into another world, one we are reluctant to leave.
The Scotland Trip: Alfred Wainwright loved Scotland and visited regularly. A close friendship developed with his publishing manager, Andrew Nichol, and Wainwright decided to invite him on his next holiday – and the wives came too. So all four walked amongst the stunning beauty of Scotland. It is a trip that Butterfield revisits, and therefore so do we.
Story Two is The Unfinished Book: Wainwright started work on a new book to complement his best-selling guidebook A Coast to Coast Walk. It was intended for those who prefer to meander and sightsee rather than tackle the hills, but would it ever come to fruition? It starts at St Bees on the Cumbrian Coast and ends at Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire Coast that crosses three of England’s finest National Parks. I found it fascinating accompanying Wainwright and Andrew, and then Chris and Priscilla Butterfield.
The Langdale Shoot: way back Andrew wanted some new photographs taken of Wainwright to be preserved as part of his legacy. Their good friend Ken Shepherd would be the photographer for one of Wainwright’s final photo shoots in the Lake District. This project produced some stunning photographs, as does Butterfield as he revisits some locations. These include-
But… hang on. Enough. You need to read the book yourselves, but carefully. It is beautifully presented, and holds within its pages the essence of Alfred Wainwright, this quiet, reserved walker who opened the eyes of so many to the glories of our wonderful country. Just as Chris Butterfield does, just as evocatively as his hero.
Butterfield explains: “This book was a true labour of love, and it’s been fantastic to see the impact it’s already had on those who’ve read it. Whether it’s their first introduction to Wainwright, or whether they see him as a lifelong guide to the fells, Wainwright Memories has something for all to explore and discover.”
Frost Magazine couldn’t agree more. It truly is a must read, and keep safe book. And should be bought as a gift for all those friends who love to walk.
Wainwright Memories is available now: https://chrisbutterfield.com/books and
https://www.alfredwainwright.co.uk/ @ £24.99