Chris Butterfield

Carrying the Wainwright Torch

It was a lifelong love of the outdoors and the walks of Alfred Wainwright that led Chris Butterfield, a Yorkshire-born engineer, to become the famous authors most dedicated archivist. Assisted by his wife Priscilla, he has amassed what is probably the biggest collection of Wainwright related material held in private ownership.

Chris has also built up a thriving Facebook group - Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia - and launched a website - alfredwainwright.co.uk - dedicated to all things Wainwright.

Chris has his own regular Alfred Wainwright column in Cumbria magazine and he is the Wainwright blogger for The Outdoor Guide. He has also contributed to numerous magazine and newspaper articles about Wainwright in the local and national press, and done various radio and TV interviews.

Chris recently appeared in the BBC Four film Life of a Mountain: Helvellyn, sharing his reflections on Alfred Wainwright and his legacy. He is currently working on his first book - a pictorial account of three little-known stories involving the celebrated fell walking author.

Chris Butterfield, 'Wainwright Aficionado', is not only Alfred Wainwright's most dedicated archivist, he is also a formidable champion of his legacy, with the enthusiasm and passion to help keep interest in Wainwright alive for the next generation.

Read the Preface

The Fruits of a Passion

The Wainwright Archive

Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia

Chris has created an extensive archive of Wainwright books and memorabilia, which includes all editions and print variations of every Alfred Wainwright book.

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Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia

Chris founded this Community Group for those interested in Wainwright and his work; it is supplemented by a blog and website covering Wainwright's publishing & printing history.

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A Special Wainwright Gathering

Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia

A Special Wainwright Gathering

Chris organised this gathering of Wainwright luminaries as a thank you for their support and an opportunity to reminisce about how the great man had touched each of their lives .

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Articles & Blogs

Interviews & Podcasts

A Special Wainwright Gathering

Chris writes magazine & newspaper articles about Wainwright and is regularly published in the local & national press and in online blogs.

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Interviews & Podcasts

Chris has done film, TV and radio interviews as well as podcasts to discuss his archive, his love of fellwalking and of Wainwright and his work.

See some highlights

Testimonials

Interviews & Podcasts

See what people are saying about Chris as Wainwright's most dedicated archivist and legacy champion (pictured with Andrew Nichol).

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