inspired by Alfred Wainwright

Wainwright, born in Blackburn in 1907, left school at the age of 13. He was a clever lad and continued his education at evening classes, becoming an accountant. He fell in love with the Lakeland fells when he came to Windermere on holiday in 1930. He spent much of his spare time here and eventually in 1948, he took a cut in salary and came to live and work in Kendal as borough treasurer.

It was here that he produced seven pictorial guides to the lakeland fells. His unique, hand written, hand drawn works of art have inspired many and there isn't a bookshop in Kendal, new or second hand that doesn't hold a selection of his books.

This extract from one of his books is reproduced at the entrance to 'Yard 22' in Kendal, now re-designed into a lively shopping precinct and re-named 'Wainwright's Yard' in his honour. I stopped to read it for the first time today. The style of his books and his wry sense of humour have inspired me to read his books, following his journeys from the comfort of my armchair!