Michael Rowan is excited to discover two artists at Tate Contemporary’s latest exhibition, ‘Going Beyond, ’a two-person exhibition featuring the work of textile artist Michael Brennand-Wood and ceramic artist Anne Marie Laureys.

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Anne Marie Laureys Crossover of Thoughts 2020 Photo Peter Claeys

Michael Brennand-Wood Storyboard2 Orange Dancer with Cosmic Skirt

London is burgeoning with exhibitions and sometimes the smaller ones can easily get overlooked. This is one exhibition not to be missed, and as it is a mere 4 minute walk from South Kensington Underground Station there really is no excuse for not popping in.  These two artists were brought together, because in the words of the curator, ‘both are going beyond,’ with their work, in an exhibition that juxtaposes the simple with the complex in a delightful thought provoking exhibition.

Both artists push their interaction with the material they work with, to go beyond the expected. Michael Brennand-Wood taps into his lifelong knowledge of embroidery and lace-making in combination with modern day techniques to create multi-layered sculptural textile works. Anne Marie Laureys begins her process by throwing a classic vessel that she then alters with the help of time and gravity; reshaping, remoulding and refolding the clay over and over again until the work has found its voice.

The exhibition is quite small, covering two rooms, but the gallery seems ideally suited to displaying the works, and an hour and 30 minutes flew by.

Michael Brennand-Wood has an international reputation as one of the most innovative and inspiring artists working in textiles today. Here he creates a new body of work called Storyboards. Taking the figure of Gulliver bound to the ground with thread as its starting point encapsulating a feeling of being trapped and unable to move.

The pieces seem at first viewing to be deceptively simple, a base of images and some scraps of text forming a collage, over which are dozens if not hundreds of pins linked by different coloured threads.

This really is a case of the more that you look the more you see. At first the threads seem to be a metaphor for holding someone or something in place, a little like Gulliver’s travels. The more threads the stronger the binds.

Look again and you will see that threads are also used as linkages, directing the eye through the story board from one point to another.

I realised that the threads also depicted movement e.g. the rigging on a sailing vessel and the pirouetting of a ballet dancer as well as the inability to move, because of the threads.

An eclectic collection of items are woven into each piece, a part of a floor tile; some hardened mercurial solder splashes taken from another artist’s studio floor; images from the artist’s childhood books; a small wooden frame; and even the artist’s grandmother’s door key, personalising the work, but also inviting the viewer to use these items to evoke feelings that arise from one’s own experience of such items.

These multi layered works are taking stitches to a different level and in doing so develops depth creating a sort of three-dimensional pointillism.

                                    

The ceramics in this exhibition demanded an iron will, such was their tactile appeal.

Belgian ceramic artist Anne Marie Laureys begins her process by throwing a classic, symmetrical pot. Whilst the clay is still soft and wet, she pulls, folds, pinches and punctures it. The tension of the clay underneath her fingers dictates the way the folds take shape, her pieces appear to have a spontaneous, unplanned quality.

However, Laureys takes her time to find the shape of a vessel, remoulding and refolding the clay over and over again until it speaks with her unique voice. No two works are ever the same. 

Each piece had a fine surface of what I initially took to be fine sand, added prior to the firing process, but was in fact fine crumbs of clay, together with some minerals such as nickel, iron and copper which renders the ceramic a velvet like visual quality rather than the usual shiny glaze.

These sculptural pieces range in colour from terracotta, bronze to pale blues and violet and have an organic feel, such that it is almost possible to discern the evolution of each piece.  The artist does not begin with a fully formed idea of what she is working towards or how the piece will look when finished, but rather takes her cue from the process.

There isn’t much time to visit this exhibition but it will certainly make you glad that you made the effort.

Venue: 4 Cromwell Place, Gallery 12, London, SW7 2JE, UK.     Dates: 30th May to 4th June 2023.    Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 – 18:00; Sunday 10:00 – 16:00

Fresh Vegan Skincare Brand RINGANA Launch Baby Skincare Products

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In keeping with the RINGANA philosophy, the range consists of four fresh, natural vegan care products, developed with the greatest care and of the highest certified organic and pharmaceutical quality. I have tried these products on my own children and they are amazing. I love them. They work well and you don’t need to worry about toxins. 

vegan, skincare, baby, children

FRESH baby body & wash, FRESH baby bum cream, FRESH baby bum foam and FRESH baby oil. 

Naturally, just like all of the other RINGANA products, the entire product range is vegan, free of synthetic colours, perfumes and preservatives, mineral oils, parabens, PEG emulsifiers, etc. All of the products are dermatologically tested and are very well tolerated by the skin.

The RINGANA story began in Austria in 1996 out of the deep convictions, deeply rooted values and unstoppable energy of two people who wanted to make the world a better place. The ultimate impetus was provided by a toothpaste that their son brought home with him from kindergarten. Ulla Wannemacher and Andreas Wilfinger were so shocked by the questionable ingredient triclosan, that they resolved to launch better alternatives on the market.

Now, 26 years later, they are returning to the starting point of their story, presenting a new product range for babies and young children.

No fluff – no fillers: RINGANA FRESH baby 

FRESH baby body & hair wash: clean from head to toe 

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This mild washing gel cleans delicate skin and hair ultra gently. The pH-friendly formulation is very kind, and won’t make their eyes sting. Skin-soothing extracts of oat, cotton and witch hazel prevent irritation. Ectoin, as a stress protection molecule, supports the skin barrier. Almond and sesame oil have a grooming, lipid-restoring effect, and help to untangle hair. The sensitive skin is supplied with moisture, protecting it from drying out.

RRP 50 ml, £6.70

FRESH baby bum cream: gently soothes and protects 

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This nurturing formulation effectively soothes irritation in the nappy area with witch hazel extract and cotton extract. It strengthens the skin barrier and forms a breathable protective film on the skin. Natural almond, sesame and jojoba oil from controlled organic cultivation promote skin regeneration.

FRESH baby bum cream can be used after every nappy change to prevent nappy rash.

RRP 50 ml, £9.48

FRESH baby bum foam: the eco-friendly alternative to baby wipes 

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Whether you’re at home or out and about: Our innovative FRESH baby bum foam cleanses sensitive baby skin in the nappy area gently yet thoroughly. Skin-soothing ingredients such as witch hazel extract and cotton extract effectively groom baby’s delicate skin. Applied to a soft, washable cloth, FRESH baby bum foam is an excellent alternative to baby wipes and can also be used on hands and face. It doesn’t need to be rinsed off.

RRP 50 ml, £8.61 

FRESH baby oil: a real all-rounder

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Whether used for daily skin care, relaxing baby massages or gentle cleaning, FRESH baby oil was developed for the special needs of baby skin which quickly dries out and loses moisture. The unique combination of pharmaceutical-grade sesame, jojoba, almond and evening primrose oil from controlled organic cultivation grooms and regenerates the skin. Organic extracts of oat and vanilla soothe the skin and have an antioxidant effect. Tip: also ideal for parents and other adults.

RRP 50 ml, £7.66 

Less is more – and it’s all top quality 

Only a few care products are required to look after the sensitive and delicate skin of babies and small children. At the same time, it’s extremely important to use only those products that have been developed specifically for those needs.

“Baby skin is around three to five times thinner than adult skin. On top of that, the protective function has not yet fully developed which means that it dries out faster, and toxins can penetrate easier,” explains Dr. Andrea Haidinger, MSc, Senior Product Developer for organic and fresh skin care at RINGANA.

“It was very important to us to keep the range as small as possible, and reduce it to the essentials. With these four products of the purest quality, with hand-picked, meticulously tested ingredients, we’ve covered all the real needs of sensitive baby and children’s skin,” says Andreas Wilfinger, RINGANA’s CEO.

There are countless baby care products available: powders, oils, creams, lotions & shampoos – all these and more in every conceivable format. But what does a child’s skin really need to make them feel good all over? It’s a question that RINGANA has explored in great depth.

Fresh, natural and pure 

Along with a high standard of sustainability and efficacy, these are attributes that have always been deeply enshrined at RINGANA, and which create the perfect basis for natural baby care. The new range was developed with the greatest care, to meet and exceed the needs of sensitive children’s skin:

a mix of high-end plant oils and valuable plant extracts of organic and pharmaceutical-grade quality is proof of these products’ superb quality.

Further plus points for the new RINGANA FRESH baby range: the products have been recognised with official COSMOS organicnatural-cosmetic certification, they are manufactured with no potential allergenic perfumes, and they contain a special ingredient – a specific cotton cell extract – to soothe the skin.

“Baby and child skin care is a particularly sensitive topic that we’ve approached with enormous attentiveness and respect. A mother only wants to give her children the very best – as I can confirm myself. That’s why we proceeded with the greatest possible care throughout the development of our FRESH baby range,” says Ulla Wannemacher, RINGANA’s General Manager.

As Ulla Wannemacher and Andreas Wilfinger proudly say: “26 years ago we started freeing men’s and women’s bathrooms from mineral oils, excessive emulsifiers, preservatives and metal soaps, replacing them with freshness, efficacy and sustainability. Now, 26 years later, it’s time to revolutionise children’s bathrooms in the same way.”

www.ringana.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RINGANA

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ringana/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RINGANA2012

Teeth Talks: Dentist Helps Us Brush Up On Our Dental Health

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One in three adults in the UK suffers from some type of gum disease, says, Clinical Director and Lead Dentist at Paste Dental, Dr Alan Clarke.  Teeth play an important role throughout our life, so we asked him all the nitty gritty teeth grinding questions to help improve our overall oral health…

 

Aside from regular trips to the dentist, how can we best take care of our teeth at-home? 

“It is so important to have your own bespoke oral care plan. We are all different, at different stages of life and have specific oral health needs, also linked to our general health and if underlying conditions are present. I love creating a specific routine for my patients at Paste Dental in Belfast, it’s never a one size fits all, and it needs to be reviewed as needs change.

 

Flossing is key! Floss daily, honestly it’s a game changer. Interdental cleaning with floss or inter-dental brushes will reduce plaque loading, freshen your breath and prevent baseline inflammation which can progress to gum disease. Right now I am using CocoFloss products – from the US, a great tool.

 

Friends of mine have just released an unbelievable product from their company Parla (as featured on dragons den) which is 100% biodegradable floss, letting us as professionals continue to promote great oral care while being mindful of the impact single use plastic has on our planet!  Brushing twice daily, a balance diet and education about your own needs will serve your gums and teeth well.

 

Not all toothpaste is created equal, so make sure you’re using one that’s right for you. Whether you need fluoride, sensitivity relief, or whitening, there’s a toothpaste out there for everyone. Even better chat to your dentist and plan a bespoke regime, tailored specifically to you.

 

Two minutes may not seem like a long time, but it’s the recommended amount of time to brush your teeth.

 

Be careful with drinks you assume are super healthy! Acid attacks are very common from this sort of potion, leading to tooth translucency, enamel wear and dentine hypersensitivity.

 

Eating a balanced diet can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Foods rich in calcium, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds, can help maintain bone density. Additionally, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, can help stimulate saliva production and clean teeth naturally.

 

Drinking plenty of water can help alleviate dry mouth and prevent tooth decay. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day and sip water regularly.

 

What are the dos and don’ts of brushing? 

Brush for 2 minutes when you wake up and 2 minutes before you go to sleep – that’s a great start. I recommend an electric brush (it can easily regulate the force – preventing over-brushing) and with AI now it can show you where you missed in real time.

 

Spit don’t rinse your paste! Leave that gritty texture and coating on your teeth, it will help remineralise, block dentinal tubules to reduce sensitivity and maintain a fresh breath for longer.

 

For a manual brushing fan, check the bristles and make sure they are not frayed or splayed – usually every 6 weeks we should swap to a new brush.

 

Store you brush away from the toilet, not in a closed container and firmness of bristles is really a personal preference. Also hopefully it goes without saying but don’t share your toothbrush! I love the Te-pe manual brushes because you can steep the toothbrush head in boiling water without damaging the bristles, no fear of bacterial contamination here.

 

What are the worst habits we should break for better dental hygiene? 

Not flossing enough! Honestly. It’s the one thing I tell my patients. I would prefer they floss over anything else. Once you personally get into a great interdental cleaning habit, bleeding gums are gone, fresh breath is back and a clean mouth reigns. It will also save you thousands in dental bills in the future, trust me!

 

How often should we floss? What are the signs of gum disease and how can we prevent it?

Daily!  Everyday! – twice if you can! Gum disease is multi-factorial. With genetic components, the presence of specific oral pathogenic bacteria, smoking and oral hygiene playing a role we as professional try to cut through the noise and find out objectively what is the root cause. A great tool we now use is salivary micro biome testing. This objective data will let patients see exactly what bacteria is present and if it is having a truely damaging affect on their oral health.

 

Signs such as chronic bleeding gums, bad breath, mobility of teeth and more seriously tooth loss are all linked to gum disease!

Interestingly we also find patients who have active gum disease present have significantly lower health outcomes in terms of heart disease, diabetes and COVID-19. Our body is a system and as a cosmetic dentist but primarily a dental health professional it’s important that we join the dots for patients and help foster holistic treatment planning. I believe we can help prevent gum disease through patient education on their own health, the causes and risk factors of gum disease, a bespoke oral care plan and patient understanding to self manage at home!

 

What are the benefits of interdental brushes? Should we use them alongside flossing? Can children use them?

As we get older, spaces can develop between our teeth as the jaw bone grows overtime. Tooth loss also creates odd spaces as teeth drift or change position. We don’t need to worry but certainly need to be aware of how to look after our mouth as this happens. Floss is great for small spaces but as the bone reduces in height and remodels larges spaces can appear which need a much larger tool for effective cleaning. Floss and interdental brushes are so necessary. You want to use the biggest brush that fits into the space comfortably, with bristles sweeping under the gum line and around each tooth margin. Revise and resize. Every 3 months it is vital you, or ideally in partnership with your dental/hygienist or dental therapist, revise and resize your brushes (spaces will increase as inflammation reduces), we want your cleaning to remain efficient and effective. Children don’t need this level of cleaning as their teeth are much more compactly placed together.

 

What are the benefits of a water flosser? Should we be using one daily?

I’m not a major fan of waterflossers as a tool on their own but some patients swear by them for removing food particles and debris. Certainly not a replacement for effective interdental cleaning but maybe a nice add on to help maintain a fresh breath!

 

How can women best look after their teeth during significant life milestones such as pregnancy and the menopause? Can HRT affect teeth & gums?

Menopause and pregnancy bring a variety of challenges to oral health. Blood flow levels in the oral mucosa and gingiva change, gingivitis and inflammation can increase and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can cause ulcerative flare ups lasting several weeks. My advice is to try your best to maintain your oral health routine, don’t beat yourself up about missing some element, life is complicated and don’t let perfect be the enemy of simplicity and consistency.

If morning sickness is causing havoc, try to brush at a different time of the day, adapt your routine to suit you but try to aim for some sort of consistency that is achievable! Life is amazing, you are smashing it, remember that!

 

What are the most common dental mistakes / misconceptions you’ve heard about or seen with your patients?

1. People fear judgment from us firstly. At Paste Dental Belfast we cast that aside from the minute people walk into our clinic. As dentists we are here to give you information, to guide but to help you make informed choices for your own health! Don’t fear judgment.

2. Vaping is totally safe, actually not quite true! Also I am seeing an emerging trend towards Swedish tobacco pouches, again not safe (major oral cancer link).

3. Dentistry is expensive! Yes – but a good structured oral care plan will help avoid the need for expensive dentistry in the future.

4. Sugar is evil. Again, no!  A balanced diet is key, it’s all about the frequency of sugar exposures and length of time taken for oral bacterial acid levels to neutralise.”

Frost Loves Beautiful and Functional Yoga Mats From Yoga Design Lab

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I absolutely love Yoga Design Lab yoga mats. They’re stylish, beautiful and sustainable. They’re available for adults and children. They are great mats which are also eco-friendly. I also found them to be light and easy to travel with.

Whether you’re an experienced yogis or new to yoga practice, giving the gift of eco-friendly yoga gear is a great way to support health and wellness, express our appreciation, and deepen our bonds by contributing to a more sustainable future together.

Yoga Design Lab creates vibrant, high-performance yoga mats and accessories by using sustainable materials like recycled microfiber, renewable cork, natural rubber, and water-based inks, making them safe yet stylish options for adults and children alike.

The Combo Mat, voted by Vogue as one of the “18 Best Yoga Mats in 2022,” is an excellent choice for eco-conscious mothers, while the Combo Kids Mat encourages children to explore yoga in an engaging way with playful colors and designs.

Yoga promotes a wide array of physical and mental benefits — including increased strength and mobility, less stress and anxiety, and a greater sense of calm and peace — and can be practiced almost anywhere, with many different styles and flows to try, making it accessible to all ages and preferences.

“Practicing yoga with our mothers is a beautiful way to connect and strengthen our relationships with one another,” said Yoga Design Lab’s Bianca Fesenbeckh. “It’s a meaningful and deeply nurturing experience to share, and we believe using yoga products created with materials sourced from mother nature only elevates that.”

Yoga Design Lab offers a diverse selection of more than 20 unique designs, ensuring that you can easily find the perfect product that suits your mother’s or wife’s individual style. By gifting them with YDL’s eco-friendly yoga gear, you’re not only showing them how much you care, but also giving them the gift of “me time” to find peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of daily life.

 

About Yoga Design Lab

Yoga Design Lab creates yoga mats and accessories that balance sustainability with style and performance – without having to sacrifice one for another.  Founded in 2015 and based in Illinois, Yoga Design Lab is committed to using recycled, recyclable and renewable materials in all yoga products. The vision is to create a better world for the next generation by providing products that preserve the planet while helping people Live. Beautiful.® each and every day. For more information, go to yogadesignlab.com or follow at @yogadesignlab.

JANE CABLE REVIEWS THREE BOOKS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski – Poland

Oh my, what a book. I felt that tingle almost straight away, the one only a really special book gives you. The writing is so beautiful, so emotional, so descriptive, and because no word is wasted, falls on the right side of not being up itself.

Set mainly in Poland in 1980, the country’s inequalities between the few who ‘know someone’ and the many who don’t are drawn in bright colours and the drabbest of greys. The unrest that will eventually lead to an elected government ten years later is in its infancy, and this forms the backdrop to this exceptional love story. In this world at this time, homosexuality must be hidden. A reason for shame.

Ludwik and Janusz, both newly graduated from university, meet at a work camp and through a borrowed book discover their shared sexuality. They embark on a tense yet tender affair the author makes seem both dreamlike and real, but back in Warsaw, Ludwik faces difficult choices.

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry – India

I decided to read this book as it was mentioned as one of the great stories of unlikely friendship, but had I looked a little more carefully before starting, I might have changed my mind. I am so, so glad I didn’t. This sweeping tale took me way out of my comfort zone to India in the 1970s (and the decades beforehand), carrying all the dirt, disease and poverty of the place and time with me.

For me it was an uncomfortable read, but the compelling characters made this novel impossible to put down. Dina, who is central to the story, was especially well drawn and I just had to know how her story unfurled. The web spins out from her, into the lives of those who touch hers, and the further to the lives of the fabulous cast of minor characters.

It’s a long book, and a cruel book, and I really didn’t like the way it ended. But it was certainly an experience and I am really pleased I picked it up.

 

Night Wherever We Go by Tracey Rose Peyton – USA

I have to admit I found this book a little disorienting at first, in trying to find clear points of difference between the characters and any sort of plot, but the sense of place and time was so breath-taking I carried on reading it, and I’m glad I did.

Set in Texas in the 1850s, Night Wherever We Go follows a group of slave women working on a small farm owned by a farmer who is clearly going broke. Much of the book is taken up with the daily lives of the women, but a narrative thread does emerge (and I know, with literary fiction it does take longer) and each of the slaves find their voice. The author’s skill is to immerse the reader totally in the awfulness of their existence; not just the hunger, the hard work, the degradation suffered, but the abominable inhumanity shown them by people who considered themselves their betters.

A book that needs to be read, that should be read. But apart from the quality of the prose, not one to enjoy.

 

 

 

Are we beginning to see the finishing touches to the CCA Refurbishment?

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The lads from JLA arrived early in the week, and it was a  very sad day for all of us, as we said our good byes. We  have such fond memories of Graham, he had so many funny stories to tell.

As always, the Columbia Community Association came to everyone’s rescue, and moved them on, as people came and went: Dianne, Pauline, Brian, Ruth, Linda and little Liam – yes, a constant stream and a good old chin wag which was  just what the doctor ordered.

                                     
Ian, from Fred Stobbard came to drain the radiators ready for the new valves acquired by AC.T but sadly the valves weren’t the right size so back to the drawing board, but all CCA’s garden orders are now here.   Red Shoes  Bob worked hard to assemble the bench and made sure he was the first one to sit at it. Short lived once Marion spotted him. ‘Come on Bob there is work to do.’ Altogether now, ‘Boo boo boo.’

The bench has proved to be so popular the team have decided to order another two; happy days in the sun to look forward to. On that note, some new parasols are being ordered – can’t have anyone suffering from sun stroke.

Arthur, the decorator came, and proved to be a proper gentleman. He carried a load of gear in for the girls from Cultural Creatives.  He is very much Mr Popular. There are now working radiators in the toilets, with a pull cord system now installed in the disabled toilet. All external emergency lighting is now operational and extractor fans are fitted in both toilets.

Mariusz, the Polish plumber came, to change the valves on the radiators, however, oops, wrong ones again. Marion and he had a good old chin wag about her times in Gdansk where she interviewed for care assistants. So many happy memories of her times in that beautiful city.

            

The CCA’s  hanging baskets have been delivered, and with the help of Darren and Liam they are up and looking fantastic. Mind you, they are well cable tied as some areas have had a spat of baskets disappearing overnight and Marion would not be pleased if the same thing happened here.

Some absolutely fabulous exceedingly expensive prints,  were donated. arrived and the team were thrilled, and grateful. No doubt Bob will be hanging them any minute now.


There was no coffee morning this week because the CCA were treated to the  spectacular REDCOAT SHOW, which has been sold out for weeks. It was as fabulous as everyone hoped: really good belly laughs, lovely buffet and everyone having a good time. Such a wonderful way to end the week.

Be aware: the CCA is closed for business Monday to Friday this coming week as Cory Barnes from CJ Carpet Fitters, is laying new flooring in the corridor and office. The team, of course will be pottering around doing some gardening work. They have baskets to hang and planters to fill.

Marion is actually considering painting a few car tyres as people can do fabulous things with these, and she and Bob just happen to have a friend who can supply some. ‘ I wonder if Alan Titchmarsh would draw us a design, might give him a ring over the weekend.’ I bet she does too.

The CCA, joined by Frost Magazine, hope you have an amazing Bank Holiday and long may the sun shine.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Summer is a comin’ in says Thirsk – at last, at last… it seems to have been a little late this year

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Glorious early summer: the gardens are beginning to bloom, roses are almost out, wysteria is smelling sweet.Our wonderful ‘Frank, the Family Butchers’ have commissioned Louisa Loves Painting to produce a window masterpiece hailing the approaching season. Welcome to Thirsk, welcome to summer.

                           

May blossoming along the beck, the petals tinged with cream, the cuckoo spit blooming.

                             Buttercups fill the meadows, yellow dust on your shoes.

 

It makes me come over all Cider with Rosie and Laurie Lee. I met him years ago at a Hay on Wye Literary Festival. Such a charmer, as robust and sensuous as his books. He signed my copy of Cider with Rosie.

                              

Pop into Rural Arts at the old Courthouse, to see what’s on now, and check the new programme – from July onwards.

   

Stop a moment at the Carlton Miniott village shop and PO, the tables are out on the front lawn, the charity books are displayed on the patio in front of the windowboxes. Sit down, browse through a couple, make your choice. Pop something in the tin for Altzeimer sufferer’s.

                                 

Then nip off home for a cuppa and why not a cream and jam scone from award winning Thomas’s in Thirsk.

Such a time, such warmth in Thirsk, such a buzz of bees which are so well served by wild flowers and numerous hives. Happy days, oh yes indeed.

For more information: https://visitthirsk.uk/

Carlton Stores: Carlton Road, Thirsk

Louisa Loves Painting: Instagram @louisalovespainting and Facebook

Email: Louisa.ac.art@outlook.com

Thomas the Bakers:   https://www.thomasthebaker.co.uk/

Frank Family Butchers: Frankfamilybutchers@outlook.com and Facebook

Rural Arts The Courthouse: https://www.ruralarts.org/

 

Win Copies of Vita and the Birds by Polly Crosby

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We have copies of the stunning new novel from Polly Crosby to win. Just comment below, or share the post on social media. Good luck!

1938: Lady Vita Goldsborough lives in the menacing shadow of her controlling older brother, Aubrey. But when she meets local artist Dodie Blakeney, the two women form a close bond, and Vita finally glimpses a chance to be free.

1997: Following the death of her mother, Eve Blakeney returns to the coast where she spent childhood summers with her beloved grandmother, Dodie. Eve hopes that the visit will help make sense of her grief. The last thing she expects to find is a bundle of letters that hint at the heart-breaking story of Dodie’s relationship with a woman named Vita, and a shattering secret that echoes through the decades.

What she discovers will overturn everything she thought she knew about her family – and change her life forever.

Vita and the Birds, polly crosby

Polly Crosby grew up on the Suffolk coast, and now lives with her family in the heart of Norfolk. In 2018, Polly won Curtis Brown Creative’s Yesterday Scholarship, which enabled her to finish her debut novel, The Illustrated Child. Later the same year, it was awarded runner-up in the Bridport Prize’s Peggy Chapman Andrews Award for a First Novel.