Bradford man speaks about his Alfred Wainwright book

Chris Butterfield’s book Wainwright Memories – an account of three little-known stories on guidebook author Alfred Wainwright – will be published on December 9.

Chris, who grew up in Thorpe Edge but moved to Scotland ten years ago, has been studying the Blackburn-born fellwalker and his work for five years, and is now an archivist of his printing and publication history.

Through his work, he is aiming to keep Wainwright’s legacy alive, encourage more people to enjoy the outdoors and inspire people to follow their passions.

“It’s been an incredible journey. Growing up on a council estate, I never thought in a million years I’d be an author,” said Chris, who left his job as an engineer to take on the role of being Wainwright’s archivist 18 months ago.

Chris (right) with BBC producer Richard Else (Image: Chris Butterfield)

“I was inspired to study Wainwright because of his beautifully hand-written work. I knocked on a lot of doors in Kendal, where he lived for many years, and became a custodian for his material.

“Bradford has played a major role in this. It all stems from being a young lad from Thorpe Edge and being on the doorstep of the beautiful countryside around the city.

“People have this impression that Bradford is very urban, but if you look, there’s some real beauty there.”

Chris' book will be published next Friday (Image: Chris Butterfield)

Chris, 49, hopes his book can inspire more people to enjoy nature.

“I’ve always loved the outdoors and the environment,” he said.

“With the way the world is now, especially after Covid, I think people are escaping to the hills more than ever.”

Chris recreates an old photograph of Wainwright with his former publisher Andrew Nichol (Image: Chris Butterfield)

Chris’ work has also attracted considerable interest.

“I started a Facebook page, which now has 22,000 followers, and I’ve been on TV and radio – it’s really taken off,” he said.

“Wainwright loved Yorkshire, so it’s been a privilege to share his work and pass it on to the next generation. I was a student of his work, now I’m a teacher – it’s surreal.”

Keen walker Chris at the summit of Skiddaw (Image: Chris Butterfield)

Some of Wainwright's work overlooking Orrest Head (Image: Chris Butterfield)

Chris not only wants to teach others about Wainwright, but also about how they can set out to achieve things they have always wanted to.

“People can get away from the nine-to-five rat race if they want to, no matter what walk of life you are from,” he said.

Chris Butterfield and his wife Priscilla at Wainwright's Inn, Cumbria (Image: Chris Butterfield)

“It’s not always about skills, but having passion and love for what you do.”

For more information, visit https://www.alfredwainwright.co.uk/