The Wainwright Maps Story
In his legendary seven‑volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Alfred Wainwright captured the soul of the Lake District with hundreds of hand‑drawn maps. Each sketch, rendered in his unmistakable freehand style, was more than a navigational aid, it was a love letter to the fells.
The Wainwright Maps series brings these treasured fragments together to create something much more than the sum of the parts. Hundreds of small sketches have been meticulously combined into seven large maps, one for each guidebook, and a collection of feature maps showcasing all 214 Wainwright fells. The result is a body of wall art that celebrates both Wainwright’s artistry and the timeless beauty of the Lakes.
Crafted with Care
Every map begins with scans of Wainwright’s original drawings. Thousands of hours of careful trimming, tweaking and teasing of alignment have gone into creating seamless compositions; maps that feel as though they were drawn by Wainwright’s own hand. No shortcuts, no algorithms, no AI, just the human eye and hand of someone who has walked the very paths these maps depict.
Printed on archival‑quality papers with premium inks, each piece is born of quality. Whether you’re filling a grand wall or a quiet corner, our maps are available in a range of sizes to suit your space.
Two Distinct Styles
- Ivory & Black – A tribute to Wainwright’s pen‑and‑ink draughtsmanship, with raven black lines set against a calming ivory backdrop.
- Colourised – Inspired by the hues of the Lake District and the tones of the classic Bartholomew’s one‑inch map, which Wainwright himself described as “a beautiful picture, fit for a frame.”
More Than Maps
For Wainwright, maps were companions, sheets to pore over in his armchair, reliving days on the fells. Our maps are created in that same spirit: as art for reflection, inspiration, and celebration of your own Lakeland adventures.
Whether you’re a seasoned fell‑walker or simply someone who cherishes the Lakes, a Wainwright Map is more than decoration. It’s a piece of history, a story on your wall, and a reminder of the landscapes that continue to inspire generations.