Jonny’s Jackets

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A couple of months ago I drove down to Southampton to collect a car load of paintings and prints from Jonny Hannah. Since I was going one of Jonny’s publishers asked if I might return some of his books. I couldn’t refuse. It was a privilege to carry this select library of his marvelous book jacket designs. And I couldn’t miss the opportunity to photograph them. Feast your eyes. Continue reading “Jonny’s Jackets”

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From Saffron Walden

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This walk begins where In Epping Forest ended. Butlers Retreat turned out to be the perfect place for breakfast, with possibly the best coffee in Essex. It kick started our trip up to Saffron Walden. Along the way we passed huge fields of cultivated rapeseed and roadside banks of wild cowslips, a yellow landscape that was once purple with crocus grown for their precious saffron. Continue reading “From Saffron Walden”

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Jonny’s Got A Brand New Bag

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After we hung Jonny Hannah‘s exhibition at Kensington Place last week I discovered a box of leftovers containing these wonderful hand painted paper carrier bags, for these popular high street retailers – Ishmael’s Stripey Top Shop, Henry Thomas Tackle & Bait Shop, Ahab’s Fish & Crinkle Cut Chip Shop, The Cullen Skink Fishmongery. We’re just missing The Kensington Plaice. Continue reading “Jonny’s Got A Brand New Bag”

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Jonny Hannah At Kensington Place

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There’s a new Art Wall at Kensington Place chockablock with fruits de mer and other tasty sea flavoured morsels by Jonny Hannah. He’s entitled it What Did The Deep Sea Say? and if you’re curious to know the answer, if you’re hungry for more please drop in next time you’re passing. Continue reading “Jonny Hannah At Kensington Place”

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Jungle Blues

Jonny Hannah introduced me to C W Stoneking a while ago. I should have posted this video earlier, it’s a nice piece of vaudeville hokum, a pantomime Heart of Darkness. I love it and I love the comment it received on YouTube – I’m drawing a wobbly line here but…George Formby, Hank Williams, Mance Lipscomb, Tom Waits, Nick Cave, C W Stoneking – and the reply from C W Stoneking himself – That is a wobbly line, what are you doing with the other hand?

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Tea For Two

The Mermaid Café is Jonny Hannah’s ideal music venue. You can call in for a coffee or a beer, or the house speciality carbolic milkshake, and share a table with Joni Mitchell whilst you listen to Woody Guthrie or Slim Gaillard or maybe Bo Diddley. Today Anita O’Day is on the bill. Continue reading “Tea For Two”

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