An Amazing Keeper

Here is a picture of John Henry Atchison, a river keeper on the famous River Usk in the Victorian period and the ghillie who looked after George M Kelson.

The eagle eyed will notice that Atchison only has one hand. He was a champion caster, fly fisherman, tutor, guide and fly tier and below are some of his examples from the John Henderson collection which are dated 1880 for the Usk.

Whilst these examples are over 140 years old, they are showing the signs of age, yet, what an amazing achievement to produce these flies with only one hand.