Print Solutions
James Cropper has announced a three year headline sponsorship of The Wainwright Prize, a prestigious nature writing prize, named after writer Alfred Wainwright, a Kendal local famous for his Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells.
Having made fine papers for publishing, premium print, art and luxury packaging since 1845 in the very town where Alfred Wainwright lived and worked, the partnership underpins the shared history and purpose of the two organisations.
In 2005, James Cropper produced a custom made paper, matching the paper from the first editions, for the 50th anniversary Wainwright pictorial guides that were once again printed in Kendal.
Publisher Frances Lincoln, in association with the National Trust, launched The Wainwright Prize for UK Nature and Travel Writing in November 2013. The prize aims to reward outstanding literary titles inspired by the general outdoors, UK nature, travel and conservation.
Previous winners include The Seabird’s Cry by Adam Nicholson; Underland by Robert Macfarlane and Diary of A Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty.
For the second year, the prize includes an additional category for books on global conservation and climate change. In the midst of a pandemic, coupled with the ongoing climate crisis, the prize feels timelier than ever before, as recognition of the restorative role that nature plays, and the urgency with which it needs to be protected grows.
Being located amongst the Lake District fells, stewardship of the natural environment is integral to the James Cropper business, and it is that mutual respect and celebration of nature and conservation that sit at the heart of the business’ sponsorship of the Wainwright Prize.
As specialists in upcycling fibre, James Cropper created the world’s first recycling process dedicated to upcycling take-away cups. By harnessing the valuable natural fibres in the billions of coffee cups which are thrown away every year in the UK, the CupCycling facility has closed the loop for what was once an enormous waste stream, giving it new life.
Mark Cropper, James Cropper plc chairman, said: ‘Throughout society, people are increasingly rediscovering a love of books and spending more time connecting with nature and green spaces. We are delighted to support the authors involved in this year’s Wainwright Prize who are telling their story with paper; writing such wonderful books, and inspiring book lovers of all generations, to connect with the natural world and share an intrinsic attitude towards global conservation.’
The shortlisted authors will be announced on the 4 August with the longlist including authors such as David Attenborough, Helen Macdonald, James Rebanks and Dieter Helm.
Jane King, step daughter of Alfred Wainwright, said: ‘I am thrilled that James Cropper is sponsoring the Wainwright literary prizes this year. Growing up near the paper mill, I have always known the company, andits local knowledge and reputation for sustainability make it an ideal sponsor. I am sure that Wainwright himself and my mother would have been delighted with the partnership.’
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