Hello! Welcome to Paintpot! Or, the Paintpot? I’ve not decided. I’ll admit it was hastily thrown together in moment of focused panic over a) the likely (and, let’s face it, probably very necessary) collapse of twitter and b) the thought of packing boxes to move flats. As a result the shape that this newsletter will take, and its regularity, is still yet to be decided upon.
We’re two days away from moving home and now seems as good a time as any to start writing to you. I have a long post planned, about my book ‘Alison’ but writing that seems more than I’m capable at the moment so we’ll begin here, instead, with a UK-based gift guide! (you’ll have to click through to see the full thing as it’s a long list!)
PRINTS AND THINGS
It seems wilfully obtuse to ignore the fact I have a shop, a little digital number that I’ve been running on and off since 2008, and so I’ll begin by pointing you towards that. There you can find prints and cards and zines and things. You won’t find my books but here is a link to a page on bookshop.org where you can find most of them.
If you’d like to support our little household you could also buy prints from Owen. Owen’s gem-like worlds and ligne-claire drawing style are pretty irresistible and so very affordable that it’s worth picking up a few!
Next up Eleni Kalorkoti who makes beautiful things with paper and fabric and metal. I’m lucky to own a decades worth of little paintings and drawings from Eleni but if you weren’t lucky enough to live in the same flat as her you can pick up some original ink paintings on her shop too.
Louise Smurthwaite has prints for swim fans and mountain fans alike. My Mum is a big fan of her swim badges, and has bought a load of them for her sea-swimming pals.
If you, like me, have been an optimistic subscriber to the LRB (will I ever read a whole one before the next arrives? or even half?) you’ll recognise Jon McNaught’s beautiful work. No one does sleepy, literary London like Jon.
Helen Hancocks has the stationery lover in your life covered. Also the cat lover. Also the lover of cakes/ books/ rock formations.
I like these floral prints by Tor Freeman a lot. Also Tor’s comics and picture books have such a joyful and distinct sense of humour.
If you’re on top of Pia Bramley’s instagram stories then you might be able to pick up an original drawing or etching or, more frequently, a beautiful giclee print.
ALSO! Hatty Staniforth, Charlotte Ager, Jules Scheele, Black Lodge Press, Babak Ganjei, Hannah Michelle Bailey, Isabel Greenberg & Manjit Thapp.
BOOKS & COMICS
Shortbox comics is a one stop shop for bold, exciting new comics. Zainab’s curation is pretty unparalleled within UK comics and I guarantee you’ll find something in there to suit almost every taste.
If you’re after a long-form illustrated read try Avery Hill Comics. I don’t think any other UK publisher is really trying to do what they do right now (for shame) in that they publish a diverse range of voices writing books with genuine narrative heft. I’m keen to read Shanti Rai’s new book Sennen and would also like to point you towards Owen’s book ‘Victory Point’ and (ahem) my own collaboration with brilliant playwright Molly Naylor, 'Lights, planets, people!’
Shelf Editions have one of the most exciting collections of children’s picture books I’ve seen, from forgotten classics to brand new treasures there’s bound to be something wonderful for the child in your life.
I’ll do my full reading list illustration in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime here are the past editions. Two eternal book-gift recommendations are (off the top of my head) Saint Mazie by Jami Attenberg, This Is The Place To Be by Lara Pawson. Failsafe (I think).
OTHER
Kaye Blegvad does the best jewellery
I love Vivien McDermid’s paintings but I’d also recommend her Moonbeam Tangerine beaded jewellery for colourful, wearable gifts.
I’m coveting a Tessa Layzelle star garland (currently all sold out).
Little knitted scarves by Lucky Stitch, Cushions by Laura Holden Studio, Printed Textiles by Caitlin Hinshelwood, Ceramics by Sophie Alda and clothes from recycled textiles by Farewell Foolish Objects.