Articles > 2010

The Wainwright Signed Prints
The three succinct descriptors that have been carved into the memorial tablet dedicated to Alfred Wainwright in Buttermere church are 'Fellwalker, Guide Book Author and Illustrator'.  For the past 18 months or so, I have been building up a database of information concerning this extraordinary man’s work as an ''illustrator' – to be more exact, I have been trying to compile a comprehensive list of the many pen and ink drawings which were subsequently reproduced and sold as signed limited edition prints.  Frankly, I am now beginning to run out of steam and need some assistance!

If you own one or more of these signed prints, can you let me know the exact title so I can check if it has been included on my list.  Each print measures 10 by 8 inches, which includes a surrounding white border of about 1 inch.  The location of the scene is written in green capitals at bottom left and AW’s famous green signature is at bottom right.  There may be variations on this format and details of these would be equally welcome.  A selection of prints were reproduced from each of the 5 Lakeland Sketchbooks along with others from his Ribble Sketchbook, both Dales Sketchbooks and Kendal in the Nineteenth Century.  It seems that the final total will exceed 70. 

Once this research has been completed, ownership of the data will be transferred to The Wainwright Society as another small contribution to the Society’s valuable work. 

So if you own a signed Wainwright print, please email the title to me at wilkinson20@btinternet.com
Any anecdotal information that you may have concerning the prints would also be appreciated.

Graham Wilkinson (Membership No 1166).