This photograph is from our Frank Hopkirk Archive, donated to the Armitt by Mr Hopkirk's daughter, the late Francis E. Gibson. Frank ‘Hoppy’ Hopkirk was a well-known figure in Grasmere and an integral part of the Lakeland tourist industry of pre-war days. He had worked in many of the local hotels, popular with the Royal School of Art students when they took over the Salutation and Queens Hotels, Ambleside, during the years of their wartime evacuation.

Hoppy was also widely known for his great skill in making walking sticks and shepherd’s crooks.

The archive includes photographs, some dating back to the 1880s, etchings and drawings by students and staff of the Royal College of Art.

This photograph of the Boxing Day Hunt Meet was taken outside the Travellers Rest at Grasmere during the 1950s. Frank Hopkirk, wearing a trilby hat, glasses and carrying one of his walking sticks, stands just to the left of the main group. We believe that the gentleman on the far right in huntsman’s garb is Anthony Chapman. The Armitt would be pleased to hear from readers who can identify anyone else.

Please contact Deborah or Sue on 015394 31212 or info@armitt.com

Deborah Walsh

Armitt Trust