Today’s book club selection is A Palette of Life, Julia Midgley’s illustrated journal of her time as the artist in residence at Blackpool Pleasure Beach between 2000 – 2002.
“Early in 2000 I received the invitation to become Artist in Residence at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The brief was to depict everyday life in front of and behind the scenes.”
Availability: Out of Print (sometimes available second hand)
ISBN: 0-9514677-4-3
Published: 2002
Audiobook: No
Available from our friends at Joyland Books
“Julia’s journal is a fascinating insight into a very exciting time at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the millennium brought much optimism and one of the most audacious projects in the park’s history – Valhalla. It contains over 200 paintings, drawings and sketches, showing all aspects of the park.
The works of varying styles are presented chronologically, dating from 9th June 2000 (the beginning of a Richard Rodriguez record attempt) until 26th March 2002 (a book launch for ‘The Amazing Hiram Maxim: An Intimate Biography’).
Of particular interest to us was Julia’s account of her visit on 9th December 2000 when we were lucky enough to meet her at the park’s Winter Weekend event. From this visit, there is a stunning black & white view of The Steeplechase.
If you do manage to get hold of a copy, our favourite piece is the one of The Wild Mouse (fig. 192) – absolutely wonderful!”
To find out more about Julia’s work, visit her website.
