the FIRST EDITION of
It Started With The Starlings
Option 1 - A signed copy of the first edition of - It Started With The Starlings.
Signed book will be sent to you in May 2024
Thank you so much
Option 2 - A signed copy of the first edition of - It Started With The Starlings.
Plus a limited edition print made specially for the publication of the book.
Limited to 36
I've made a run of 36 special prints to go with the book. It is based on one of the key images from the book.
The limited edition print will be signed by me is and is made using high quality ink on acid free, cotton rich paper. 15x21cm
The book and print will be sent to you in May 2024 with my sincere gratitude - thank you for your support.
Option 3 - A signed copy of the first edition of - It Started With The Starlings.
Plus 4 secret prints from the book that form one larger image.
Limited to 5
A secret feature of the book is, that when framed next to each other the four prints form one larger image.
I have made 5 sets of deconstructed book prints that when placed 2 x 2 form a giant Starling murmuration flying over the pier. I'm pretty pleased with this to be honest.
The print will be signed by me and are made using high quality ink on acid free, cotton rich paper.
Each print is 15x21cm
There are more photos and details once you follow the link to the shop
The book and prints will be sent to you in May 2024 with my sincere gratitude - thank you for your support.
It goes like this:
Collect your own signed copies of It Started With The Starlings and either of the limited edition prints made to accompany the release of the book - from me whilst you stay for two nights in the lovely Black Sheep Barn holiday accommodation on the small holding where I live and work, high up in the beautiful Shropshire hills. We converted the barn ourselves between 2013 and 2017 and it was hard work but now totally worth the effort to have people staying and enjoying it. Guests often say "it is the best place they have stayed", which I still find amazing to hear.
There's a book for every person who stays.
But that's not all....
You will have a personal chef for a meal specially planned, prepared and cooked for you in Black Sheep Barn. The chef will make contact with you to chat about the sort of food you enjoy and then work to create something special for you.
Work your way through a hamper of locally produced fine food and drink. Shropshire has a great selection of local produce for us to choose from.
It will contain food for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as drinks and some treats - so you shouldn't need to bring any supplies with you.
We will ask you for your dietary requirements and presences so the hamper will hopefully be perfect for you.
Then, when you're not eating and enjoying fine food and drink....
Explore the miles of open and wild land direct from the doorstep of Black Sheep Barn. Black Sheep Barn is high on a wild hill where you can walk, run, cycle and even swim in the nearby lake if you wish.
It's a really special place.
I'm very happy to give you an informal tour of the place too should you wish.
You will need to arrange your travel to and from Black Sheep Barn yourself.
We would contact you to arrange dates for your booking.
We would be happy to collect you from Ludlow train station if you prefer to use the train and it is possible to walk or cycle here along the Shropshire Way - if you are up to the challenge.
More about Black Sheep Barn, the meal and chef
For up to two people: £790 (£395 per person)
For up to four people: £1110 (£277.50 per person)
It Started With The Starlings is set in Brighton.
It is 120 lovely thick pages of words, pictures, maps and space that celebrate birds and buildings, overheard conversations and stories, empty spaces and busy streets.
I love an old atlas and had this in mind for this book, so it is quite a big book at just under 21x30cm. It's pretty heavy too which I'm strangely pleased about. The paper is lovely and thick and untreated so it has a nice matt feel.
It Started With The Starlings has been a labour of love since 2004, when I produced the first prints that appear in these pages.
I like how the book feels to hold in my hands.
Crowd Funding the First Edition
The book is completed with everything needed at the printers ready to go. I have a proof (which I'm really pleased with - and made me smile for about two hours when I first saw it) and have used it for the photos on this page.
The book is being printed using quality papers by a company who seem to have a really good approach to their environmental and sustainability responsibilities.
I hope for the first edition to be around 50 copies to make the project viable.
If you place an order then you will receive the book in May, even if this target is not met, it's just that the cost to print per book will increase for me. It won't change anything for you.
A copy of the first edition of this book will cost £18 and they will all be signed by me.
The first edition of It Started With The Starlings will be published in May 2024.
Thanks in advance for any support you can give me for this project, I really - genuinely - appreciate it.
If you click an option it will take you through to my online shop where you can then place your pre-order.