As the New Year begins to get going (although Nicolas’ urge to hibernate does not really lessen until Spring is upon us!) it is time to get our friends excited by our new book. We have of course been labouring over it for many months but we have not mentioned it before – except in conversation with a few. The printing is complete but Angela Lemaire has yet to embark upon the hand-colouring of the Specials that has been such a valued feature of our earlier ventures together.
We have enjoyed a friendship with the author for quite a large percentage of his still very young life as he began to be interested in books from The Old Stile Press ( to the point where he wished to acquire copies) while he was still at school!
‘Ed P-T’, as he is usually shortened to, moved on to St John’s College, Cambridge, as an organ scholar but his music studies were swiftly expanded with wide-ranging explorations into science and philosophy and a fascination with all aspects of our universe and, in particular, a deep commitment to the preservation of our particular planet.
Quite early in his time at Cambridge he became attached in all sorts of ways to the trees around St John’s. He climbed them, he studied their history and their science, he swam below them and they gave much to him. Crucially, for us, he began to write about them.
One day he showed us a draft manuscript that was eventually to become this book and, almost immediately, it was clear to us that we wanted to publish it and, equally immediately, was it obvious to all that the artist who should be invited to join us in the adventure was Angela Lemaire – also a great lover of trees and Ed’s most favoured artist since the beginning of his OSP collection! Below, Angela can be seen in her studio and among some friendly trees!
So, there you are! We don’t know a price yet nor a publication date. The pages are collated and gathered and about to go to the binders.
We will let you know the facts later of course but you can always establish an interest now and this would be a good idea – especially if you are interested in a copy of the Special handcoloured edition (10 copies for sale).
Dear Cousin Nico and Cousin Frances,
It is half a year since Alice died. I stayed in 69, Barrowgate Road on and off for around two weeks in late January and early February. Her presence is still in every corner of the house. With Cousin Cal, she is a very good girl, I looked for the catalogue of your collection of paintings which (the catalogue) I know you gave her, but I could not find them.
This morning I am looking out over Beijing. After snow mid last week the wind turned to the north and the weather has been bright clear unpolluted. In the distance I can see the Western Hills. My girlfriend has gone to the market to buy vegetables, nowadays the greater part of my diet.
After two years of struggle, last year was better for me and this year will be too, I foresee. Like you in our old age I seem to be working as hard as ever.
I will visit the UK in April and in May, with my girlfriend with me for the May one probably. It would be very nice to come to visit you again.
May I reserve a copy of your upcoming Trees book if there are any left? I think you don’t know the prices yet.
Sincerely
Dear Frances and Nicholas
Lovely to see you on your website, sad to see the monkey puzzle has gone. By coincidence I have to go to Cowbridge tomorrow to see Rachel Howells who is working on the amazing panel painting of Bishop Marshall from Llandaff cathedral. We are helping with the structure. Its really quite big for a panel painting.
Anyway I am certainly interested in this new book and especially the special. Unfortunately I must dash as I have to get papers out for tomorrow
best wishes
hugh