When I visited Jackie at her home and studio in March earlier this year she was in the final stages of completing the illustrations for Wild Swans. This image was still literally on the drawing board and it was a wonderful opportunity to see the book in progress so close at hand.
One morning after walking the dogs on the beach she then intrusted me with a parcel that needed sending to her publisher Frances Lincoln. It contained a number of completed illustrations and I joked that of course I would post it and not just run away coveting them for myself. I must admit It was quite disconcerting leaving so many hours of hard work and imagination in the post office at St David's.
The illustrations obviously made it safely to London as the book is due to be published late September and we are to host a book launch at Number Seven to celebrate. As with East of the Sun West of the Moon, Wild Swans is a heartfelt retelling of a traditional tale. A story of transformation, astonishing patience, determination and love. It may be sorrowful at times but you are in for a mesmerising and contemplative read.
The book launch is on Sunday 4th October at 2pm, we plan take a walk into the woods, listen to Jackie read, and then return to Number Seven for afternoon tea and book signing opportunity. The original art work for Wild Swans will be on display so that you too may take a closer look. The exhibition will also include new work by two very talented craftswomen, Tamsin Abbott and Eleanor Bartleman, who will also be joining us as we venture into the woods, it promises to be quite a special afternoon.
Tickets are priced at £20 to include walk with the artists, afternoon tea and a copy of Wild Swans RRP £10.99 which Jackie will sign for you.
Spaces are limited as we wish to keep the event informal and personal, so we would advise that you book your place early to avoid disappointment. Those that joined us in May last year when Jackie read from East of the Sun West of the Moon captured some magical memories to take home and found themselves sitting on the site of a hill fort east of the sun, west of the moon... I am not sure if we can recreate such magic again but I am sure it will still be an afternoon to treasure.
Come join the 'whiteness of swans...'
To purchase your tickets please call the shop on 01398 324457
Payment can be made with your debit or credit card
Tickets will be posted to you prior to the event or can be collected on the day from Number Seven.
*PLEASE NOTE: Although we welcome dogs to our Walking Book Club we cannot allow them to join us on this occassion
