New Look Website

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Zoe Finlay

My website will be changing shape very soon. There will be mostly the same information, but it should be easier to navigate and the appearance will be much improved (changes may continue for a little while). It will be available on the same address.

Posted in From the studio | Leave a comment

Perfect Paris

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Zoe Finlay

Back to work today after a fantastic weekend in Paris. If you’re planning a visit, I strongly recommend including the Marché aux Puces St-Ouen de Clignancourt, an awe-inspiring flea/antique market in Paris (take the Métro to Porte de Clignancourt on Line 4). As a collection of smaller markets, this vast antiques market seemed to sell just about anything you could think of. I did make a little purchase which was a real gem of a find and which I’ll be writing about in my July newsletter.

Stop by the Boulangerie Du Pain et des Idées first (take the metro to Jacques Bonsergent) and stock up on some of their gorgeous, award-winning apple turnovers to help you through the day. (Of course, don’t forget to wash sticky hands before handling the antique books and paintings!)

If you can still walk beneath the weight of all your bargains, end the day with a walk along the Seine. Perfect.

The Boulangerie du Pain et des Idées

                             
Posted in From the studio | Leave a comment

Temporary Closure of Studio

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Zoe Finlay

The studio will be closed from the afternoon of Friday 08th June and will re-open on Tuesday 12th June.

Thank you

Posted in From the studio | Leave a comment

Next Tynemouth Market – Sunday 10th June

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Zoe Finlay

The next Tynemouth market is on Sunday 10th June. However, I’m afraid I won’t be there, but hope to be at the one after that (I think), in October.

If you were hoping to ask me any questions about a paper object you have, or even the text block of a book, you can always email me at zoe.finlay@gmail.com for free and impartial advice.

Enjoy the market if you go and remember…the early bird gets the worm!

Posted in Book fairs, Events, talks and activities | Leave a comment

Old Newcastle paper mills

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Zoe Finlay

I recently came across this advertisement for a paper mill which previously stood on the corner of Little Blagdon Street, Newcastle upon Tyne:

Advert for Jebb Brothers Ltd, of Howard Street and Little Blagdon Street

It’s easy to forget the sheer amount of paper mills there used to be all around us and their importance at the time. Jebb Brothers were begun in 1906 and had branches in Scotland that bought private waste paper from businesses with a promise of complete destruction. An early nod to recycling and shredding machines! The company only dissolved in 1999.

There are very few paper mills in Britain today. One of the few remaining ones is Wookey Hole in Somerset who hold regular demonstrations.

Posted in Paper history | Leave a comment

Paper Wine Bottles – the shape of things to come?

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Zoe Finlay

The world’s first paper wine bottle is about to be launched by the company, Greenbottle. With less weight than your average glass bottle and far more biodegradable the carbon footprint is much reduced. In turn, this brings down transport costs and brings up its green credentials.

But if you’re imagining pouring your wine from something that looks like a milk carton, think again. The product will literally be shaped like a wine bottle! It’s certainly got many benefits but personally I still miss the traditional pop of a cork as opposed to the screw tops.

A plant is due to open in Cornwall shortly. 

Find out more and see pictures here:  http://www.greenbottle.com/

Posted in Media articles of interest | Leave a comment

Interesting National Archives video

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Zoe Finlay

This is an interesting video showing how items in an archive collection are boxed, the US National Archives in this case. Note the mention of choosing storage materials which are chemical, lignin and acid free. These are all essential criteria for improving the longevity of items including book and paper artefacts:

Preservation at the National Archives

Posted in Media articles of interest | Leave a comment

Lemington Heritage Group Talk

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Zoe Finlay

I delivered my presentation on Paper Conservation to the Lemington Heritage Group, Newcastle, on Monday night. It was a great night. The audience were enthusiastic and we had an interesting debate about digitisation (the storing of images of heritage items electronically) and the benefits, drawbacks and consequences for the actual object.

I look forward to delivering my talk again with a few currently in the pipeline. If you are a member of a local group and you would think your members would be be interested in hearing the presentation, please do get in touch.

Posted in Events, talks and activities | Leave a comment

Forthcoming Newcastle Late Shows, Friday 18th to Saturday 19th May – free, excellent culture crawl not to be missed!

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Zoe Finlay

Definitely a date for your diary, this yearly event is bigger and better than ever with special events all over Newcastle involving culture and the arts from music, food, readings and art shows to performances. Best of all, it’s free!

Attendees wander round at their leisure from venue to venue on foot with other visitors (you’ll recognise each other by the luminous wrist bands you are given, it’s amazing to see how many other people are attending), or using the free bus which takes you round. More details are available here: http://www.thelateshows.org.uk/

I was there last year and had a great time, it was such a good atmosphere everywhere we went. Two folk musicians playing fiddles upstairs in Blackfriars mediaeval hall were so brilliant that my fiancé and I booked them on the spot for our wedding.

The Late Shows event is scheduled for Friday 18th to Saturday 19th May.

Posted in Events, talks and activities | Leave a comment

Photos of old Newcastle found

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Zoe Finlay

A newly discovered collection of photographic plates which depict Newcastle in the 19th century have been accidently discovered. They show daily Newcastle life in a way that has not been seen before, showing detailed street scenes and a fascinating insight. More on this story can be found on the Guardian’s website:

Victorian Newcastle brought to life in photographic treasure trove

Posted in Media articles of interest | Leave a comment