A Second Lakeland Sketchbook

In November 1970, the second instalment of A Second Lakeland Sketchbook was published, marking another chapter in Alfred Wainwright’s prolific career. Despite being well into retirement, Wainwright exhibited no indications of slowing down; on the contrary, he maintained a rigorous work schedule, dedicating nine hours a day, seven days a week, to his drawing books.

During this period, Wainwright also entered a new chapter in his personal life by marrying Betty. Beyond the conventional roles of a spouse, Betty took on the additional responsibility of acting as Wainwright’s chauffeur, playing a crucial role in facilitating many of his book projects. The synergy between his personal and professional life seemed to contribute to an overall sense of contentment, and Wainwright found himself in a phase where life was good.

The General Printing and Book Publishing Manager at the Westmorland Gazette, Andrew Nichol, asked Wainwright how long it took him to complete a drawing. Andrew was astonished. Wainwright puffed on his pipe and replied, “About an hour, maybe two if there was lots of detail.”

Over the next few years, Wainwright would produce over 20 books, including his favourite, Kendal in the Nineteenth Century.

**An order form came with *Cumbria* magazine in November 1970**

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A First Edition is identified by:

Red cloth case with gold blocking
£1.05 21/- price on the dust jacket
A Third Lakeland Sketchbook and Walks on the Howgill Fells listed as – In preparation

***In preparation* helps identify a *First Edition***

A Second Lakeland Sketchbook First Edition without the Dust Jacket — A red clothbound case on its own does not **necessarily** identify a *First Edition*

A Second Lakeland Sketchbook First Edition 21 Shillings — *First Edition* price

The second print is a replica of the First Edition, complete with the In Preparation page. The sole distinguishing feature between the two lies in the dust jacket price, providing the only discernible way to differentiate them.

A Second Lakeland Sketchbook — **Could these two differently priced sketchbooks be from the same print run?**

**Review copies were sent out to the press before publication**

The first review was by Mr Brayshay, News Editor of the *Evening Dispatch*

A Second Lakeland Sketchbook First Edition Gold Blocking — **The original gold blocking (image mirrored)**

A Second Lakeland Sketchbook Dust Jacket Negative — **Dust jacket negative black**

A Second Lakeland Sketchbook Dust Jacket Negative 2 — **Dust jacket negative colour**

In the early 1970s, sketchbook cases exhibited various colours and styles. However, a significant change occurred as the gold blocking on the front of the cases was eventually eliminated. From 1980 onward, all sketchbook cases adopted a uniform green colour until 2004. At that point, Frances Lincoln reintroduced the sketchbooks, restoring them to their original colours.