 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
COUNTRY HEART
 St Leonard's Church, Blunsdon |
In 1992 I was asked by John Ware the Rector of St Leonard's Church, Blunsdon to illustrate, design and publish a book of poetry, Things Dear to the Country Heart by George Shipway. Having grown up in the village, I knew George & Stella, passing their house every day on my way to and from school, so I could not refuse.
George & Stella moved to the village in 1939. George wrote poetry throughout his life but few knew of his talent; although he did send some of his work to John Masefield, the then Poet Laureate who described his poems as "gentle" and "giving happiness". Before George's death in 1988, John Ware promised to try to make them available at least to the village he loved.
50% towards upkeep of St Leonard's Church
It was George's wish that any proceeds from the sale of the poems should be put towards the upkeep of St Leonard's Church on which he himself bestowed so much care. In the same vein, I am donating 50% of the profits from the original phased sale of these illustrations as NFTs to the same cause. They will be released for sale via auction on OpenSea over the next 9 months to coincide with the monthly Blunsdon Parish Magazine – beginning Nov 2022 (Dec/Jan has one issue). Follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook for new releases and progress updates.
1st edition copy of George Shipway's book of poetry will go to highest bid
Once all eight NFTs have been sold, the NFT which achieves the highest price at auction will receive a first edition copy of the book of poetry 'Things Dear to the Country Heart' in mint condition. If there are 2 or more sales with the same price, the book will go to the person who placed the first bid.
I produced the seven pen & ink illustrations below for the book. The illustration for the poem 'Poppies' was also used for the book's dust jacket in a striking red. Click below to see the full image:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
START | SHOWCASE | BACKGROUND | EMAIL |
||
|
|
||
