Star Paper & Livesey Library meet

On Wednesday afternoon I met some wonderful ex 'Star Paper' mill workers at Livesey Library, where many with associations with the Star came to identify as yet unknown people in the archival photographs. There were fascinating stories floating through the library of mistletoe mischief, mucky beehives, singing while guillotining and pulling sickies to get on top of the washing. The ones I met were indeed stars from 'Star' and I was thrilled to be privy to their reminiscences of what appeared to be a very special time.

Shop transformation

Tuesday in Blackburn saw a torrential downpour, a minor collision with a bollard and a parking ticket. All did not go smoothly in the setting up of the new shop for the Open Shop Project. Yet with all that said, the residents of Blackburn demonstrated such kindness and were as helpful as ever. People popped their heads around the door to welcome me to my new home for the next month. More finishing touches today, some sign writing and tweaking.

Come and see me at 11 Fleming Square, opposite the Cathedral to have a peek.

A visit to make links

Tomorrow's visit to the wondrous Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery will no doubt feed me more ideas and further stimulate enquiry into Edward Hart's intriguing collection of books. I hope to able to see the shop, the home of the new Blackburn Book Archive for the coming weeks. Printing book donation cards, making a window installation to tempt passers by inside and dusting off my large array of typewriters are just a few tasks keeping me busy before I arrive in Blackburn next Wednesday.

The Blackburn Book Archive is Born

I am so pleased to announce the dates for the new Open Shop Project in Blackburn. I will be in the shop creating the Blackburn Book Archive between July 21st and August 11th, so please pop in and share your recommended books with me and tell me why you think they are such a good read and deserve to be included in the collection. You will be able to deposit your book suggestions, (or even leave a copy of the book), in a large brown leather suitcase inside the shop. Come and say hello, hear a reading, have a cup of tea, learn how to make a book, convince me of the merits of your favorite book and rest weary legs. I'll be there on...

Wednesday 21 July 10-12 for Book Recommendations

Friday 23 July 10-12  for Book Making

Saturday 24 July 10-12 for Book Recommendations

Saturday 24 July 1 - 4 for Book Making

Wednesday 28 July 10-12 for Book Recommendations

Friday 30 July 10-12 for Meet me for tea

Friday 30 July 1 - 4 for Book Making

Wednesday 4 August 10-12 for Book Recommendations

Wednesday 4 August 1 - 4 for Meet me for afternoon tea

Friday 6 August 10-12 for Book Recommendations

Friday 6 August 1 - 4 for Book Making

Saturday 7 August 10-12 for Book Recommendations

Saturday 7 August 1 - 4 for Book Making

Wednesday 11 August 10-12 for Book Recommendations

Wednesday 11 August 1 - 4 for Book Readings and tea & cake