The Aardvark Blog

Snow again, busy week, April book bonanza, Easter and sculpture, Jazz amongst the bookshelves
24/03/2018

May I begin by apologising for our being closed last Sunday during the return of 'Snowpocalypse'. We have had to close early or entirely more this winter than for any winter since we started. Whilst all three Marches counties did a good job on clearing the main roads, the side roads remained tricky until Monday lunchtime. Again I am sorry if any-one did attempt the trip to see us. Let us hope that for the rest of the year things can return to normal.

Perhaps in compensation for our being closed on Sunday we have had a really busy week in the shop this week, with the Café at times also having every table taken. I have had to pinch myself occasionally to realise that we are still in the middle of March (one of the quieter months of the year). Many thanks to all those who have come in, and thanks to the Aardvark team for coping so well under pressure.

I have been steadily working my way through the books that I have bought this year and previously that have been stored in boxes in the warehouse. Yesterday I found more superb children's non-fiction titles on history, science and much more; I also found a stash of interesting Sothebys catalogues including the amazing Greta Garbo sale and the complete Mentmore Catalogue in six parts (unusual to have all the parts together). One of the challenges at Aardvark is coping with all the books that come in, and very often things get pushed back into the warehouse to be forgotten. Subsequently when they emerge it is a bit like having an unexpected Christmas present.

One of the reason I am working so hard to clear the back log is that April will bring a torrent of new books into the bookshop. There will be lots of art and design titles, new architecture, collectibles and decorative art, and much more history and social sciences. And these are just the forthcoming purchases I know about. One of the exciting things about Aardvark is that I never know what is coming up, or what is in the boxes that arrive at the bookshop on an almost daily basis.

Easter is almost upon us and I can't believe that we are now almost a quarter of a way through the year. We have the return of Ivan and Diskan to look forward to on Easter Saturday, a wonderful double sculpture exhibition that is arriving at the same time, and Easter cakes and treats galore. And if your garden is looking like mine you will need to buy some new plants, and what better time to do so than on Easter Saturday from the award winning Cottage Herbery - right here at Aardvark Books.

Finally I would like to say a few words about Paul Caton who is one of the sculptors who we are featuring this April. I have known Paul for some years and his love and understanding of his materials, his artistic vision, and his modest approach to his accomplishments, make him someone with whom I have always been pleased to work. His show is called 'Fifty Years' as that is how long he has worked as a creative artist and craftsperson. A truly remarkable record of accomplishment. Come and see for your self this Easter and for the next two weeks.

Finally I am so excited to announce that Simon Deeley and his Blue Haze Quartet will be playing right here at Aardvark Books on Friday 11th of May from 7.30pm. Tickets will shortly go on sale and cost £10 each. Simon is well known both locally and further afield and he will be playing tracks from his latest album as well as some earlier pieces. Supper will be available for those who need it, and there will also be a licensed bar!