Four Parishes Arts Society - March 2010

Antiquarian Bookseller – What makes an old book rare?

Talk by Jane Arnold on Tuesday 9 February 2010.

Jane delighted the members with her talk. Her joy in antiquarian books and the enthusiasm of her talk made us all appreciate these old and rare books. What promised or seemed to be a ‘dusty’ subject, turned into an inspiring and very informative talk.

After reading English at University, Jane made antique books part of her personal and professional life. For many years she was employed in antique bookshops where she was able to gain an appreciation of what makes a book special.

Jane sells her books on a web site entitled “Kiss the Book” – if she comes across a book which is special to her, she kisses it! Begun in 2002, the business has expanded yet retained its identity by remaining a family business.

Jane brought along a great variety of old books, going through them one by one and explaining why each one was unique in its own way. 

She had asked members to bring along any rare books they had, not to value but to look at and give some idea of their authenticity. The members responded enthusiastically and the second half of the evening was taken up with Jane individually discussing their books. Unfortunately time raced on and she was unable to see everyone.

Jane is a delightful person and she will be returning to the Four Parishes Arts Society in 2011 when she will be demonstrating the use of herbs in cooking and we will be able to sample the delights.

Next Meeting Tuesday 9 March – Monxton Hall – Prophetic Ruskin and the Origin of the National Trust – A talk by Michael Wheeler.

This talk will be particularly interesting and beneficial for the Society’s visit to the National Trust house Tyntesfield on 8 June. This will be our second visit and this time we will be able to see the improvements the Trust has made to the house. Every member should have received an application form. If you do not have one please phone Joan Bryant on her new number 01264 772 574 Members, please note - Shirley Hayward has had to resign from the committee due to personal reasons. We are very pleased to welcome back Sue Ryan to take her place.