By Sophie Swain Stand Up For Southport
An artist from Southport has released an illustrated picture book celebrating the stunning Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport.
Ruth Ryder, 39, also known as ‘Ruthie Illustrations’ has been working on the vibrant concertina book for nine months and has just received the first print copy.
The artwork book, named ‘Parade Along The Arcade,’ is now all ready to go and will be released to those who have pre-ordered it.
It features beautiful artwork of the historic Victorian era arcade, which first opened on Lord Street in Southport town centre in 1898 and celebrated its 125th birthday last year.
Ruth said: “It’s just amazing and surreal, months of hard work have paid off.
“It’s a real achievement and it’s amazing to hear so many people tell me that they are looking forward to its release or asking when it’s going to be out.”
After becoming a member of The Engine Room, a co-working space situated on the first and second floors of the Grade II Listed arcade, Ruth explained how she just had to highlight the landmark venue.
She said: “It’s a beautiful space, I had to illuminate it and get it on the map. Artwork is so good for doing that.
“I love illustrating architecture and it’s a positive place. It has been an amazing project to work on.”
‘Parade along the Arcade’ will be available in shops and local businesses across the town including The Atkinson on Lord Street, Lancashire Makers in Churchtown Village and Medusa Gems at the entrance to Wayfarers Shopping Arcade.
The cafe at The Engine Room will also be selling a few copies.
Ruth said: “Working together with other local creatives has been great, they’ve seen the whole process.
“I think they feel proud to see the final project too.
“I’ve had a lot of positive feedback and it’s been a big push to be able to work with creators.”
As well as releasing her picture book, Ruth also makes illustrations of buildings around Southport which she sells on her Etsy page and to local businesses in the area.
Ruth sketches with a pencil first, then uses her iPad to build in different layers and add more details.
She has been drawing professionally for over 15 years, after studying Art and Design at Southport College and then going on to do her Masters degree in Illustration.
She said: “I love illustrating the history of Southport, living here there are so many historical and amazing buildings.
“Part of my idea around illustrating a book is to pass that on and educate others.”
You can view all of Ruth’s artwork and order ‘Parade along the Arcade’ on her Etsy page here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ruthieillustrations?fbclid=IwY2xjawFyHVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRKqdbZFmOBaotCnqht95Fe-hrWGxmyEqwEj97JH4CY0O50fbbsRVBweeg_aem_cH5z4PWV5yZx09phMgjC3Q#about
And you can also follow Ruth’s illustration page on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/ruthsillustrations
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