World Book Night 2025

I'm delighted to be taking part in World Book Night again, which takes place on Wednesday 23rd April 2025.

This year's theme was a response to Richard Powers book 'The Overstory.' The story is about individual people who are summoned different ways by the natural world. It's a thought provoking piece of writing that challenges us to rethink our response to climate change and the protection of the planet, specifically trees.

My book 'Silent Observation' was made using a print from a section of a huge local oak tree. The Lucombe Oak came down in Plymouth in storms in 2024. The text I chose was extracted in part from 'The Overstory' and asks us not to remain silent, but to speak up about the importance of trees for human survival.

All the entries for WBN have been organised, collated and curated by Sarah Bodman, Linda Parr, Nancy Campbell and Rachel Marsh and MA students and is on display at UWE, Bower Ashton, Bristol. 

All artist's work can be viewed at www.instagram.com/lsp_books/

Part of the installation from the contributors to WBN 2025

'Silent Observation' 2025

Single page inside 'Silent Observation' 

Tavistock Group of Artists Talk

I'm delighted to be invited to meet the Tavistock Group of Artists to talk to them about my handmade artist books this month!

It's a great opportunity to give an insight into the wonderful world of handmade books, as well as share my ideas and inspirations.

My books will be on display for the evening at the Tavistock Parish Hall and I will be talking about the making of individual books and reading from some of them. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and the purchase books.

I'm very much looking forward to meeting members of the group and sharing my book making practice. 

Silent Observation

‘Silent Observation’ is a response to ‘The Overstory’ by Richard Powers for World Book Night 2025. 

The original print cover for ‘Silent Observation’ is made from a ring of wood from the Lucombe Oak tree in Widey Woods, Plymouth UK. This magnificent maiden tree was several hundred years old and was very familiar to locals who walked in the woods. Its branches twisted and turned as it reached to great heights. In July 2024 high winds brought the tree down. 

‘Silent Pbservation’ reflects on our passive response to nature, particularly trees. Their loss, whether by man’s choosing or by natural causes, should make us pay more attention to how we view nature as a priority in preventing more damage from climate change.

A list of statements on the inside asks us to consider the vital benefits trees have on our survival as a species.

Front Cover 'Silent Observation' 2025

10.5 x 14.8cm

Inside 'Silent Observation' 2025

The text reads:

I need no fuel

I need little maintenance

I sequester carbon

I enrich soil

I cool the earth

I prevent flooding

I clean air

I drop food for free

I multiply at ease

I heal the sick

I offer a home to thousands

What am I to you?