Scrapbook
A monthly digital scrapbook of books, films, activities and ephemera.
This collection serves as both personal archive and public journal. More about this here.
July 25
I stopped paying for Spotify this month. It's been a long time coming. That's why there's a bandcamp embed on this page. Highlight of July was The Triumph of Art by Jeremy Deller in Trafalgar Square. A 'celebration, commemoration and demonstration' but also a bloody good time and a real balm for the soul. Also this month: a trip to the BFI with Mike to see a Moviedrome classic, and another trip to the South Bank to see YMO legend Haruomi Hosono in a rare live performance.
Andor, Season 1
I've sworn off watching any Star Wars or superhero stuff for a few years, but everyone kept telling me how great Andor was (and not very Star Wars, i.e. no Jedi etc). And they were right. I loved it.
Ballad of Wallis Island
Such a lovely, funny, touching film. And around 90 minutes long. More of these please.
California Dolls (aka All The Marbles)
The BFI had a Moviedrome season on and Mike recommended this one as a personal favourite. I'd never seen it, but I'm glad Mike chose it because it was great. So good to see it in a cinema too.
A Month in the Country
Read this as a little palate cleanser after Demon Copperhead. Can't remember where I read about it, but I'm glad I stuck it on my 'to read' list - it's gorgeous, funny, sad and beautifully written.
Demon Copperhead
A real monster of a novel by Barbara Kingsolver. It's a modern retelling of David Copperfield, but also way way more than that. I absolutely fell into it and thought it was terrific. Been recommending it to everyone ever since I finished it.
Inevitable picture of Buster having a nap
Dangerous Animals
A silly but pretty effective horror involving sharks but where sharks aren't really the bad guys.
The Triumph of Art by Jeremy Deller
An event created by my favourite living artist helping to celebrate the Bicentenary of the National Gallery by 'celebrating art, culture and civic life' and how 'art and artists can be catalysts of collaboration and joy'. And it was a total joy.
Haruomi Hosono at the RFH
My friend Matt is a huge Yellow Magic Orchestra fan and so we went along to see Hosono at the Royal festival hall, and it was strange, beautiful, funny with soem great tunes.
More Deller
Even More Deller
Inside the pizza oven
The Ooni pizza oven got its first outing in the new place this month. Tasted great.