Ipswich archivist Stuart Grimwade wins Memorial Award

Stuart Grimwade, archivist of Ipswich Maritime Trust's (IMT) vast collection spanning more than 2,000 photos, images, and postcards, was honoured with the Richard Smith Memorial Award.

The accolade is awarded annually by the IMT to a contributing member who significantly enhances understanding of local maritime culture and heritage.

IMT chairman Ben Good said: “The Richard Smith Memorial Award is our tribute to the commitment shown by Stuart and other volunteers in amassing our extraordinary collection of images and early photos of the Ipswich Waterfront and making a digital record of each one.”

The Richard Smith Memorial trophy (Image: Submitted)

The IMT's image archive, under Mr Grimwade's curatorship, is among the most extensive in the country.

The collection houses some of the earliest photographs ever taken, including those contributed by acclaimed boat designer Austin Farrar and esteemed photographer David Kindred.

Reflecting on the award, Mr Grimwade said: “Even now I continue to receive remarkable old items."

Upon retiring from his town planning career in 2000, Mr Grimwade joined IMT and put his planning experience to use in creating the IMT’s open museum on Albion Quay.

He said: “The concurrent development of the image archive meant a ready supply of images for each Window display, of which there have been 25."

IMT Image Archive Ipswich Customs House c.1850 (Image: Robert Burrows)

The prestigious award was presented at the trust’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 19 by renowned photographer Anthony Cullen.

IMT was founded by Richard Smith, an author, photographer and avid supporter of maritime history and heritage.

The award commemorates him following his death in 2017.

Past recipients include Des Pawson MBE, authority on knots and sailors' ropework; David (Wes) Westwood, skipper of Sailing Barge Victor; and revered historian Bob Malster.