Arts writer Alison Summerfield meets Carl East, manager of Winstone’s bookshop, Sidmouth, the official bookseller of Sidmouth’s Literary Festival, to discuss his favourite work of art.
Carl has over 20 years experience in the book trade and has been manager at Winstones, an independent bookshop with branches at Sherborne and Frome for four years.
His chosen work is a painting by leading British painter Alan Cotton who works from his studio in Colaton Raleigh. ‘Ebbing Tide at Welcombe Bay’ (61cm x 61 cm oil on canvas) captivates the extraordinary energy of the North Devon coast, an area that holds happy memories for Carl who explains, “Welcombe Bay was where I had my first field trip as a geology undergraduate and newly moved to the west country and where 20 years later, I had the joy of returning to discover rock pooling afresh with my young daughter on a family holiday.”
Alan was delighted to hear that Carl had chosen this painting, it is a location Alan says, he discovered when exploring the coastline beyond Hartland where he has painted for many years.
Carl expresses why this painting resonates with him, “ I have always been interested in earth history and this painting encapsulates the craggy exposed strata of the Carboniferous rocks folded and compressed during ancient mountain building. The layers of paint applied with a knife represents the ruggedness and atmosphere of North Devon’”
‘Welcombe Mouth’ will be included in Alan’s Pre-Christmas Exhibition, at his studio, together with paintings from Hartland, Provence, Ireland and Transylvania. Alan has been represented, internationally by Messum’s London for over 25 years and his annual exhibitions are frequently sold out. From time to time, however he welcomes visitors to his studio. Alan has travelled as Tour Artist with HRH The Prince of Wales to the Southern Hemisphere and as Expedition Artist to Everest as well as to the Alps with explorer Sir David Hempleman-Adams and has paintings in many important collections, including The Royal Collection and that of Lord and Lady Carnarvon.
Carl and his team look forward to welcoming all book lovers to Winstones and to their events throughout the year. Alan invites Resident readers and friends to Brockhill studio Colaton Raleigh during the weekend of 1st and 2nd of December, 10am - 5pm. For information Tel: 01395 568601
Winstones Bookshop, 10 High Street Sidmouth Open 9 - 5.30 Mon - Sat Tel: 01395 579969.
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