My cool… endpapers

When I am writing and art directing/styling a book, there comes this truly lovely moment when the main photography is shot, and the copy has been written, that allows me to take a step back at look at the project from a distance.

The sharp eyes amongst you will have already noticed that the end-paper of the my cool… books have a particular design approach. For My Cool Caravan and My Cool Campervan, I researched and obtained vintage models of caravans and campers and used them to create an wallpaper-like design from images of the models.

Each of the quirky and individual cabins featured in My Cool Shed are unique and individual spaces - there are no standard models to be had. So it wasn’t initially clear what was the best approach to pursue with regards to the end papers. However, I find inspiration often comes from seeds of ideas cast long ago, and just left on the ‘back burner’ to do their own thing.

Vintage ephemera has always been a secret passion of mine. I have a hidden stash of it at home. I absolutely love it and buy when I can. These are delightful items of little monetary value but are representative of the very small details of everyday life.

Ageing Ordnance survey maps are a particular favourite, especially when they were printed on that fibrous canvas material. Old handwritten letters, preferably written in fountain pen, still in their envelopes and stamped are also treasured. Each of them tell a story, from the style of the curly script handwriting to the fact that they were important enough for someone to keep them.

Thus the idea came to me to make our own miniature cabin models using vintage ephemera, and link the subject matter of them to each chapter in the book. To tie in with the theme of each chapter (writers, artists, gardeners, etc.), cabin models were carefully designed and made from handwritten musical scores and letters, vintage seed packets and maps. The cabins were handmade by my very clever film art director friend Louise Begbie, with photography by Richard Maxted.

I hope you enjoy them, and also hope that, as in most things, a closer look often brings its rewards.

Click here to pre-order your copy of My Cool Shed - out on May 16th!