First, it is with some disappointment that I am unable to do the lunch time Kyffin talk in Wales. As much as I wanted to do this talk, I found the travel requirements (limitations) of the 'Organiser' just beyond the pail and somewhat insulting.
This is the first engagement that I have had to pull out of.
I remember one lecture, a few years ago, that proved most difficult. Half way through my train journey to the venue we were informed that the station that I was due to change at had been destroyed by a bomb (I R A) I had a choice, the easy option being to turn back at the first chance or continue onwards. I continued, managed to get a message to the venue saying that I was delayed. I arrived some one and a half hours late with not one member of the audience having left. I did the talk, answered the questions and chatted with all, with no thought of how I was to get back home and to work the following morning. They had been so patient it was the very least I could do.
I will not bore you with all of the details of the return journey, needless to say I was at the bench as the first customer knocked at the door in the morning.
This all is brought into very sharp contrast with my time in Copenhagen.
From the very beginning the organisation was first rate. Being offered choice of times for travel (aeroplane) duration of stay, length of workshops, numbers etc etc.
After the task of getting to Copenhagen, I was met by my host, Birgit Dalum and given a short tour of Copenhagen. Once I had been shown to my room (a huge affair with en suite everything and own entrance !) I was given the chance to relax for the rest of the day.
The following morning found me in the exhibition/workshop venue, Gallery North (North Gallery, Norregade 7C, basement 1165 Copenhagen K) The owners of the gallery, charming and wonderful, left us to do what we wished with the space. After 3 or so hours we had finished the installation, cabinets and workshop space.
Books on purpose built stands, smaller works on plinths, larger books against the walls. All of this makes such a change from the usual book binding and book art exhibitions I have been involved with recently. The space around the works allows people to look and engage with the work without being cramped and feeling as if one is at a jumble sale.
Less robust works in a cabinet.
The workshop corner. The aim of the workshop was to introduce people to making the book with the minimum of equipment. I do so dislike workshops were the participants are encouraged to mickey mouse books, with little or no challenges and little worth.
Some of the students work was also put on display, a great idea and very encouraging for the individual ( remember that the workshops only lasted for one hour)
With the workshops being over two days, the private view and the first open day there was a little time to see the sights that Copenhagen is famed for.
The Mermaid. Tourists chancing the tide, slime covered rocks to have their picture taken with this iconic figure. You may be able to realise that I took this image from behind. This necessitated me clambering over terrain of the slimiest kind, before you ask, my Clarke's Desert Boots held firm not only to the rocks but also my dignity.
poster clad walls.
The last few hours before the plane left some time for shopping. Being in the book world the shops I end up in are predictable. Leather and book shops. More of that later.
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