The Book Arts Fair

Saturday, Nov 3rd 2012, HOFS 10am-5pm

Handmade, crafted and bound books are a newly emerging art form that is gathering popularity and interest.  The Book Arts Fair was a great opportunity to see some of the pioneers in this genre and enjoy their work.

Organised by Chris Ruston and Jane Woollatt, who have a studio in Hadleigh Old Fire Station {HOFS}, this event proved to be both highly unusual and well-supported.

Below are some of the comments from the Fair’s visitor book:

Amazingly innovative and inspiring. Congratulations all. Joanna Field
Really inspiring – loved it. Ray B
One theme, so many variations. Wonderfully inspiring. Sandra Clark
More please, so much talent in such a small space. Shane
Such a wonderful first. well Done. Pete Kennedy
A wonderful day, well done, quite an inspiration to meet all these bookworms. Geoff Licence

I asked Chris Ruston for her thoughts on the fair:

“Overall, we were thrilled with the response from everyone, both artists and visitors. We are grateful so many people made the effort to come along. The general atmosphere throughout the day was relaxed and friendly. Cathy providing the teas and coffees also worked well, allowing people to pause, have a drink and wander around again. The place smelt great as you can imagine with the wonderful aroma of freshly made coffee. I have just come back from visiting another book fair in London. Talking to some of the artists, it was great to hear that they were aware that our event had taken place in Essex. So, Hadleigh is now on the map with regard to Book Art!!!

Thank you to all who came along, it was lovely to see you.”

For more information on Chris’s website please go to: http://www.chrisruston.com

Louise Kay Swain with her mother Lola Swain and their handmade books
Lynda Manning
Gwen Simpson (left), presently at Colchester University on a Book Arts MA course, with Chris Ruston (right)
Lynda Manning

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