An exhibition dedicated to the legendary Alfred Wainwright will open next year in a Lake District museum.
The Armitt museum and Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia are collaborating on the exhibition, which will start in February.
It is almost 70 years since The Eastern Fells, Wainwright’s first Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells was published and the exhibition will provide an exploration of his publishing journey.
From his modest beginnings after relocating to Kendal from Blackburn in 1941 to his enduring legacy in Cumbrian literary history — alongside luminaries such as John Ruskin, William Wordsworth, and Beatrix Potter — Wainwright’s story is one of inspiration and dedication.
Ambleside holds a special significance in Wainwright’s story. In 1952 he began his fieldwork there for his first guidebook, starting with the Fairfield Horseshoe.
The route to Dove Crag, the first fell he described, is just a short walk from The Armitt.
Enhanced by generous contributions from the Cumbria Archives, Kendal Museum, and other contributors closely linked to Wainwright, this unique exhibition will chronicle his history across different aspects of his life, showcasing original artwork, book printing negatives, plates, gold blocking, and an original manuscript and objects owned/used by Wainwright.
The exhibition will also feature materials from his various projects during his later years, providing a comprehensive look at his creative process.
Despite his notoriously private nature, Wainwright began to step into the public eye in the 1980s to promote his work. He even appeared in a series of television programmes for the BBC. Visitors will discover a rarely-seen side of this enigmatic fell wanderer through connections with his friends and associates.
The Armitt’s manager and curator, Faye Morrissey, said, “Wainwright is such an important individual for the Lakes, and the timing of the exhibition makes it even more appropriate to acknowledge his legacy here in Ambleside.
“We’re delighted to be working with archivist Chris Butterfield to showcase, for the first time, many of his privately collected objects that show an alternative side to Wainwright.
Building on the success of the co-curated Running Int’ Fells exhibition, we are looking forward to developing a stronger connection with our community.”
Chris, Wainwright archivist and co-curator, said, “It’s a privilege to be part of an exhibition that celebrates Wainwright’s extraordinary contribution to Cumbrian literary and cultural history.
“This exhibition is not just a tribute to Wainwright’s work but an invitation to rediscover the landscapes he loved through his eyes. Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or new to his work, you’ll find something inspiring and uniquely personal in this collection”.
In January, a new 70th anniversary edition box set of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells will be published.
Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia has agreed with book publisher Frances Lincoln to produce the new reprint.
