All Things Considered

Caught By The River - Live
by Simon Lewin on July 2nd, 2009

News in from Caught By The River about a live event they have put together for Saturday 11th July 2009 at The Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, London...

"Featuring Laura Barton and Gavin Pretor-Pinney reading their pieces from 'Words On Water' with live sound accompaniment from the great Chris Watson -  a really exciting prospect. We are also showing a short film of the late Roger Deakin in his house and garden. This was made by Mike Dibb as a pitch for a BBC documentary slot. With real short sightedness that slot was never commissioned and this wonderful fifteen minutes of history have sat on Mike’s shelf until their existence came to our attention and we tracked Mike down. We are also honoured to be joined by the authors of two of our current favourite books: Michael McCarthy reads from ‘Say Goodbye to the Cuckoo’  and Andrew Brown reads from ‘Fishing in Utopia’ which has just come out in paperback.  We’ve also got Will Hodgkinson reading from his forthcoming book ‘The Ballad of Britain’ and live music, in the foyer of the QEH, from The Memory Band and friends, who will be performing the soundtrack to The Wicker Man."

For full details and to purchase tickets visit the Southbank Centre website.

The Early Bird
by Simon Lewin on June 30th, 2009

A simple little card we letterpress printed recently - a gift for an early rising letter writer!

Stoer Head Lighthouse
by Simon Lewin on June 28th, 2009

Had a couple of nights on the wild West Coast last weekend. Treated ourselves to a stay at The Albannach - a very welcome return.

On our last morning we had a stunning walk close to Stoer Head lighthouse, built in 1870 by David & Thomas Stevenson. It was only when we got back and did a quick Google search that we found out you can stay at the lighthouse - The National Trust for Scotland have converted the building to provide two apartments. Very tempting.

Norfolk Broads
by Kate Sullivan on June 26th, 2009

Recent weekend jaunts with our bikes have taken us to the Norfolk Broads. Starting at Reedham and taking the clunky cable ferry across the River Yare has been a happy reminder of just how beautiful the Norfolk Broads are.

Elegant and timeless yachts float alongside pleasure cruisers. Martham Boats, as mentioned in the Old Town's excellent Evening Star, has a collection of traditional 1950s wooden motorboats and sailing yachts for hire.

I’m quite taken with the idea of discovering some of the quieter Broads waters in a canoe or kayak and combining a days paddling with camping by the waters. I came across The Canoe Man who offers just that.

“Canoeing allows near silent exploration of all but the most miniscule of the Broads Park waterways - you can paddle down miles of quiet, undisturbed tributaries, dykes and streams often never seeing another soul but often seeing some of the Broads best kept secrets - the kingfishers, the bitterns and even the elusive otter”.

Letterpress printing course
by Simon Lewin on June 25th, 2009

New North Press in Hoxton, London is running a five-day intensive workshop in letterpress printing for artists' books & posters. The workshop runs from the 20th – 24th July 2009.

On the first two days participants will look at a range of artists' books and posters printed at New North Press, and will then be given an introduction to setting type using wood and metal fonts to design and print an individual poster.

The remaining three days are then dedicated to the design, setting, printing and hand-finishing of a book - again, each participant will take home their own bound copy.

To find out more about the course, e-mail Graham Bignell at graham.bignell@talk21.com

As a taster, below is a film of Graham working at the Press with Richard Ardagh on a poster to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Wilton's Music Hall.

Knockando Woolmill Open Day
by Simon Lewin on June 22nd, 2009

If you're anywhere near the north east of Scotland this weekend, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Knockando Woolmill before the restoration work begins later this year.

The Knockando Woolmill Trust has now secured funding for the £3.5 million restoration programme which will save the Mill and allow the skills that have been employed there since 1784 to be passed onto generations to come.

There are still a number of ways in which you can become involved - from joining the Friend's scheme to making a larger donation - St. Jude's are pleased to be sponsoring one of the 40 waterwheel paddles that need to be replaced.

The Open Day takes place on Sunday 28th June between 10am and 4pm. Further details via the Knockando Woolmill Trust website. Please do pass details of this onto anyone you might know in the area.

Mark Hearld
by Simon Lewin on June 18th, 2009

We've previously mentioned Mark Hearld's recent exhibition in Scarborough, The Magpie Eye.

It wasn't easy to explain the breadth of the work Mark had produced or curated for the exhibition - but a short film produced by Mark and friend Lauren Godfrey does provide a great snapshot of the event for those who missed it.

Keep an eye on our textile website for details of Mark's second design for us, Bird Garden. A follow up to his successful Doveflight print.

Firecracker Recordings
by Simon Lewin on June 17th, 2009

Thanks to Paul Hammond for passing on the link to this great film that features Edinburgh-based house label Firecracker Recordings screen-printing sleeves for their limited edition vinyl releases.

Speyside Organics
by Angie Lewin on June 16th, 2009

One of the first things we try to do when we arrive in the Highlands is get in our supplies from Speyside Organics. On this trip we were able to visit them on their stall at the first ever Forres Farmers’ Market.

As well as their own excellent organic lamb and beef, we bought Phoenix Bakery rye and sourdough loaves from Findhorn plus some locally grown fruit and veg. Keep an eye on the Speyside Oganics website for details of the local Farmers' Markets that they attend - you can visit them next at Inverness (July 4th) and back in Forres (July 11th). But if you live further afield, a mail order service is available - and highly recommended.

Acid Brass
by Simon Lewin on June 14th, 2009

I have fond memories of playing trumpet & tuba (not at the same time) in our school brass band. Not long ago I mentioned this to a local barber who - I hadn't realised - was a local band leader. I had visions of being thrust on stage with the Aylsham Town Band but have managed to postpone taking on this committment for now.

Robin Turner's piece on Caught By The River on the work of Jeremy Deller reminded me of his Acid Brass collaboration with the Williams Fairey Brass Band, covering a number of acid house anthems including A Guy Called Gerald's "Voodoo Ray" and 808 State's "Pacific 202".