All My Own Work: a history of pavement art
Authored by professional pavement artist & writer; Philip Battle
...forwarded by the world acknowledged master of 3D pavement art KURT WENNER
Edited by professional publisher and copywriter Fiona Shaw
….the title “ALL MY OWN WORK” is derived from the written description pavement artists used to describe their work to the public. The words were written in chalk on the pavement, in an effort to assure the public that the work was original and carried out by the artist present, rather than some impostor.
What's it all about?
Inspired by Victorian child pavement artist James William Carling:
A modern day pavement art festival organised by Philip Battle & Catherine McMahon
The FIRST book of its kind to relate the history of pavement art; from its origins in pre-history to the Victorians, Edwardians and the present day
I’ve sub-titled it “A history of Pavement Art” because that’s all it can be. It’s not a definitive account, but rather a start (THE FIRST) that touches on aspects of a forgotten world. To do justice to the entire history of pavement art would take three or four volumes! (somthing for the future perhaps.)
Also, the personal stories of individual artists, plucked from historical obscurity and told here for the very first time; like Alice G Colman (1874-1934), Britain’s first lady pavement artist. Liverpool’s own child pavement artist James William Carling (1857-1887) with the personal stories of many others, and the social context in which they lived
I bring the history right up to date with a description of modern day pavement art; festivals, events and the popularisation of the art-form across the globe, with examples of 3D anamorphic art, and other modern trends.
So what am I crowd-funding for?
I’m looking to raise £8000 to pay for the production of the initial limited edition book. This will consist of 1000 hardback copies. The book will measure approx. 27cm by 19cm and contain approximately 200 pages.
I have written around 33,000 words and have well over 100 colour and B/W photographs I’d like to include (subject to editing)
How Much?
The £8000 cost breaks down as £3500 for printing / £3500 editing fees / £500 cover design / £500 crowd-funding and sundry costs.
The book will retail in the shops at £25.00 (£28.00 with postage) Any profits made from this first edition will be used for a re-run 2nd edition in softback.
How can you help?
Donate any amount, or use the rewards to pledge for advanced book sales….remember that no money is taken until / unless I meet my minimum target of £4000. If you are a pavement artist, why not download the QR sign below, print off and display it at your next event! Or download the E-Flyer and distribute it on your social network, or simply use the buttons above to share this page!
Many thanks for your time
Philip Battle
Please note: This first edition will be printed in ENGLISH ONLY. Future editions will be published in French, German & Spanish.
Visit my ARTISTS OF THE PAVING STONE page on Facebook!
History in social context
Throughout the book I will be bringing you stories on the social background to pavement art, why it developed as it did, why it was loathed by the establishment and thought of as being a subversive act, and how that attitude colours our view of this much maligned art-form, even today!
A BIG THANK-YOU to Andrew McCall
Who sent me a cheque donation by post: I have made a pledge on your behalf. Thank-you again. If you are having difficulty with the PayPal system, or perhaps you don't have a PayPal account set-up, then please message me personally, and I can accept your pledge by post.
Please note, no money is exchanged or cheques cashed until/unless I meet my minimum funding target of £4000 by October!
Little known facts!
Throughout the book you will find nuggets of information like this, unearthed for the very first time, and following years of intensive research.
Little known facts
REAL LIFE STORIES
Offering a real insight into the life of the pavement artist; and wherever possible, their own story, told in their own words.
Like the story of Alice Geneviève Colman (1873-1934) who, by force of circumstances, became Britain’s first Lady Pavement Artist.
Illustrative Images
…..when looking at old photographs of pavement artists, it’s easy to misunderstand what you are looking at. To help you really SEE the lost world of the pavement artist, I will be including lots of illustrative images, describing exactly why pavement art appeared the way it did back then!
This image shows REM aka Thomas Reynolds outside the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London. 1920
A big thank-you to my new supporters!
Every week I will be posting updates, new videos and news of campaign progress. Please be sure to KEEP SHARING this page on your social networks!
.....here's a video from 1948, featuring pavement artist REM aka Thomas Reynolds...later in life he worked as a portrait artist on the railings of St Martin's Church, Trafalgar Square, London...he's featured in the book! ;-)
