The Aardvark Blog

New inspiration is on its way
24/04/2021

Reading through some of my recent blog posts  I get the distinct feeling that I had reached a bit of an inspiration low round about the time that the shop was about to re-open.

I was feeling a degree of anxiety at the prospect of seeing actual real people again, we were dealing with some issues on our online sales which were causing me concern, and Ethel and I were fretting about when she would be able to come back into the building and indeed why it was that I was so unable to communicate everything that was going on in the business. Also I have had a ridiculous problem with my right knee, which looked like it had been cured by my brilliant Osteo (take a book Lynne Aitken) only for it to get worse as a result of my stepping on one of Coco's sticks and shooting forward like a character out of Tom and Jerry (probably Tom as Jerry was always far too sensible). I am used to being indestructible and heaving heavy boxes of books without thinking about it, and it pains me when I can't do so.

But after two weeks of really interesting conversations with new and old customers, a really interesting art book purchase from Bedstone, and the added special ingredient of day after day of sunny weather I feel like my mojo has returned. So here goes.

First up I know I am obsessed with the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum and the famous theft (see previous blogs on the incredible podcast 'Last seen...') but you have got to check out the new Netflix series on the theft 'This is a Robbery'. Whilst you are on Netflix if you haven't ever watched it, 'White Collar' is the perfect Covid era light relief. Over on Amazon I have just finished watching all the series of 'The Magicians' and have ordered the first of the novels by Lev Grossman. Described as being Harry Potter for adults, the series is obviously darker and although it has had its lows (there should be a law against music sequences in which characters mouth famous songs), it definitely went out on a high - All Hail Queen Margo.

On Art news I have finally discovered the delights of 'Waldy and Bendy Adventures in Art' the Waldemar J and Bendor G podcast on all art matters. Just listened to the recent episode that included a really interesting interview with David Hockney. Also in art news, amazing reports from Spain of a rediscovered Caravaggio that was due to go on sale for Euro1,500 until tons of people spotted it. Looks in bad condition but the Spanish government has now put an export stop on it so hopefully it will be cleaned up and will land up in the Prado.

I seem to have not really listened to anything musically recently but I did catch part of a concert that had been part of the 'Great Music in Irish Houses' festival in 2019. Incredible music which just filled me with the idea of how great it would be to go back to Ireland this year. I have not been since before Edward passed and it has been a constant complaint of Ethel's that she has never seen where Edward came from (or indeed Ireland). So maybe this will be the year.

If you are able to travel, do come in and see us now that Aardvark is open again, please note that we will be open on the Bank HOliday Mondays in May. Also, put in your diary the 30th of May when we will be holding what I am calling our 'Aardvark Car Book' sale on the car park and fields around the bookshop. Already have lots of stalls booked, but there is plenty of space left if you would like a pitch. As ever, entry and parking are free.