Poetry for the book ‘Paul Smith by Rottingdean Bazaar’.

 

I had an amazing stroke of luck a few weeks ago when James and Luke from Rottingdean Bazaar popped into the Open Art Cafe in Rottingdean and discovered the poems on display written by members of the Pop in poetry group which I run.

Apparently our poems, which are often quirky, were just what they wanted for a new book they were working on to celebrate the life and work of Paul Smith the fashion designer! At the time I admit I barely knew anything about Paul Smith.  But my partner and sons were impressed, as were two of the poets who had long been admirers of Paul Smith’s wonderful designs.

A week later following a coffee with James I was madly writing a poem about stripes, as well as contacting regular members of the group asking them to write poems too. James had initially requested short poems, so Haikus seemed a good idea, even if I did get inundated with zebras in the first flush of enthusiasm!

As the project had to be completed at such short notice, I worked my socks off for three or four days to ensure everyone had something to offer. Ultimately there were some very good poems including some Haikus.

Finally three weeks later James arrived at the Cafe with a huge bouquet and lovely hardback books ‘Paul Smith by Rottingdean Bazaar.’ one for each poet, wrapped in gold.

The book had been created to resemble a library book and as well as astounding art work and stories. A whole section had been devoted to our poetry with James’ and Lukes’ original art work, one page for each of our poems. It is really beautiful.

    

In the introduction in the book it says it ‘has been released to coincide with Photo London 2019, Paul Smith by Rottingdean Bazaar available in limited edition of 500 copies.’

This collaborative book features re-interpretations of the iconic Paul Smith stripe and interviews with other Paul Smiths of the world.

Rottingdean Bazaar

Rottingdean Bazaar are artists James Theseus Buck and Luke Brooks who work in the medium of fashion. They live and work in the coastal village of Rottingdean, East Sussex, which serves as their home base and source of inspiration. They enjoy zumba classes, car boot sales and since their London Collection’s Men runway debut in 2016 have established themselves as one of the most original and exciting voices in British fashion.

Signed by the Artists

The work of the Paul and Luke’

Wow lucky me and thank you all the lovely people past and present who have attended my sessions!

I have been running the Pop in group for eight years. It is strictly or beginners and aspiring poets, as established poets and published poets have networks of their own.

Oh and my eldest grandson now tells me he loves Paul Smith’s aftershave!