Special Commissions







Since the beginning of the year I have been working on several special commissions for a number of artists. The satisfaction of collaborating on a design solution that works both functionally and conceptually has been a valued addition to my process of making.  Recently completed commissions for Artist Mishka Henner include an edition of portfolio boxes made for his photographic series 'Eighteen Pumpjacks'. Each one was handmade using millboard covered in heritage library buckram,  each foredge inlaid with 16 tiny magnets, achieving a very satisfying closure and mobility. 

Inspiring Commissions





Punctuating the days between making, are the days working with inspiring artists on bespoke commissions. This Spring several clients have invited me to work on specialist projects or pieces needing a little something extra. It's been a privilege to have been involved in some meditative making with beautiful results. From week long box making commissions to day long private tuition, my days here in the studio are heaven. 

Anatomy Paper Commission Complete














Late last year I collaborated once again with photographers David Penny & Gavin Parry of Anatomy Projects on their redesigned newsprint version of the original Anatomy Of An Institution book, which I consulted on and made  a bespoke edition for them in 2011. This new edition is presented in a variety of metallic foiled covers on 6 different GF Smith Colorplan papers. Inner pages are litho'd full colour onto high quality uncoated newsprint, held within their covers by a black rubber band. It documents a visual collection of Manchester Metropolitan University staff past and present, all photographed with an authentic Victorian era camera found at he University. It is a numbered editon of x1000, designed by the talented Graham Jones of Loose Collective and painstakingly hand-finished by me, available to buy on the Anatomy Projects site. 

Othello / Anatomy Commissions







I've been lucky enough to be involved in some delicious projects this Summer which have kept the wolf from the door and the candle burning at both ends. Borbonesa's new publication Othello - A Bestiary with floral additions is a fine edition of screen printed illustrations concertina bound between hard covers adorned with a red foil blocked strawberry. They asked me to help make the 250 covers needed for the launch, which was a pure pleasure. After working on a bespoke box for the Anatomy Project prints, I created an edition of 5 large books. Such satisfying work.

The Blackburn Pamphlet





Since the Summer I've been gathering material to create an edition of 30 pamphlets documenting the 'Blackburn Book Archive' project. Inspired by funny stories from local paper mill workers, sublime book recommendations from courageous men and delicate confessional mono-prints. The 16pp soft back book has been created for the people of Blackburn though I have a few copies left available.




Anatomy Projects




Opening this Thursday 25th November at the Holden Gallery Manchester is the 'Anatomy of an Institution Project'. A stunning collection of photographic prints & stills portraiture of some of the people who make up the anatomy of the Manchester Metropolitan University. I have made a bespoke clamshell portfolio box to house a collection of the prints by Gavin Parry & Dave Penny.



Pipeline Projects - museum commissions

I have just been commissioned by Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery as part of the open shop project, to be resident in a disused shop for a month to engage the towns residents in their vast print and ephemera archive. I will be making mapping portraits of the locals who exchange their stories over free cups of tea.

I am journeying to London a lot of late, to immerse myself in the delicious receipt books housed at the Wellcome Trust. I'm brimful of 17th century recipes and remedies eager to try out on at home. An exciting new publication is in the pipeline to be distributed at the annual Wellcome Picnic held this summer in Camden. It's all rather appetite whetting .