> DAN CRUICKSHANK TALK

St. Mary's Church, Cowes
18th October 2015

The Isle of Wight Literary Festival 2015 - an eclectic mixture of writers, thinkers, creators and doers travel to the Island to share their thoughts and experiences... What a great excuse to meet up with people who have inspired, educated and given us hours of entertainment along the way!

Dan Cruickshank is an art historian and BBC television presenter, with a special interest in the history of architecture. He has an infectious passion for this subject and it has taken him all over the world. He has written and presented many TV programmes and published books that explore and share his knowledge and understanding.

We could not resist this opportunity to spend an hour in the company of this likable chap. The talk was free-form and fast in pace. He talked loosely around his experience of researching and producing the new book - 'A History of Architecture in 100 Buildings'... he used stories, anecdotes and slides to bring the presentation to life. Very interesting it was too. The venue was packed with a very appreciative audience who listened and chuckled along. I was lucky enough to meet Dan afterwards and he kindly signed my copy of his new book. A great afternoon!

 Our signed copy of Dan's new book

10 out of 10!

> PAUL ARMFIELD - FOUND

Northwood house, Cowes
14th October 2015

Paul Armfield - an intimate evening of intriguing images from days gone and the stories they inspire.

What a great way to start this years Isle of Wight Literary festival. An enchanting evening of acoustic songs performed in the ball room at Northwood House. Paul Armfield has created the 'Found' project from imaginary stories that have been inspired by the characters in 'once loved' photographs. Salvaged by his friend Elinor from the flea markets of Berlin, this collection was too good to be placed back in the box. Paul could not resist the opportunity to get creative... a lovely partnership and process had begun! Tonights peformance was tender and thought provoking, light moments of humor balanced the darker scenarios that Paul had cunjured. Who were these people?, who loved them and how did their images come to be 'Found'?

Below, Paul explains his process:
"When I first looked through them I was overwhelmed, each image just exploded with narrative, but in writing songs about the photographs I have, for the most part, tried not to impose my own interpretations but rather create a soundscape of words and music that will enhance the experience. Three minute frames in which to pore over and marvel at each still image, breathing new breath into each anonymous life."

JC Grimshaw, Jon Thorne and Paul Armfield perform. Pic by Bob White

Born in Birmingham, and raised on a diet of Rock’nRoll, Elton John, Black Sabbath and Sinatra, Paul moved to the Isle of Wight aged ten where he soon took up bass and joined a punk band. Spending his teens playing every style of music imaginable proved a solid grounding that would later prove invaluable.

The Found album - Limited edition box set and prints 

 

The boy in the picture

The images that inspired Paul are on show at Dimbola Lodge in Freshwater until 3rd January 2016.

10 out of 10!