A new book featuring stunning artwork of beautiful scenes across Southport is due to be published this October!
Southport Illustrated by local artist Ruth Spillane has been several months in the making with scores of local residents and visitors alike having already submitted their pre-orders.
Ruth’s painstakingly detailed artwork celebrates the very best of the beautiful seaside resort, with each work taking at least two days to create.
Scenes included in the book include Lord Street, Silcock’s Funland, The Grand, Wayfarers Arcade, June The Florist, Birkdale Village, Churchtown Village, The Atkinson, Kenworthy Mansions, Broadhurst’s Bookshop, Southport Market Quarter, Dune Radio and more.
People are invited to enjoy the launch of Ruth’s new Southport Illustrated book at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant on the Promenade in Southport between 11am and 1pm on Saturday 7th October 2023.
The book will be published on 1st October and costs £25 via pre-order or at the book signing.
Artist Ruth Spillane is publishing a new book, Southport Illustrated. Wayfarers Arcade in Southport
Ruth will be signing copies of her new book, chatting with people about the inspiration for her artwork, and selling her unique prints, calendars and tote bags. This year’s calendar will feature all new scenes to last year’s version.
People can order it through Ruth Spillane’s Ruthie Illustrations page on Facebook here. Her new website will be up and running soon.
Last year she launched a KickStarter appeal in order to fund the project: ‘Southport Illustrated A look at Southport past and present’.
Ruth, who has been inspired over the years by art in Paris, London, New York, Moscow and other places around the world, believes that “nothing compares to the variety and beauty we have here in Southport”.
Artist Ruth Spillane is publishing a new book, Southport Illustrated. Ruth (left) is pictured at Silcock’s Funland with Silcock Leisure Group Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince (right). Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
She said: “I love creating scenes around Southport in a unique illustrative style.
“My artwork focuses on how buildings and scenes look in the present, while also putting my little twist on it.
“I love uncovering all the history and heritage about this amazing place.
“I hope my book shows Southport for the wonderful town that it is.
“Southport is such a beautiful place when you look around it, particularly when you admire all the natural beauty and the craftsmanship of places such as the old buildings along Lord Street.
Artist Ruth Spillane is publishing a new book, Southport Illustrated. Lord Street in Southport
“With all the funding coming into Southport at the moment, both through the Southport Town Deal and with all the private investment, it is really turning itself around and lots of exciting things are happening.
“A drawing will take me a couple of days to do. I do a sketch drawing first, then I’ll add the colour. That’s when the magic happens!
“Once it’s done, I’ll revisit it until I’m happy.
“I was born and bred in Southport and really love this town.
“There is lots to do and lots of places to enjoy.”
Artist Ruth Spillane is publishing a new book, Southport Illustrated. Southport Town Hall in Southport
Ruth’s reputation has been growing in recent years with fans loving seeing her work on social media.
She said: “I have been doing this for the past six years, slowly building it up, and the popularity of my art has grown and grown.
“Several shops in and around Southport have been getting in touch to sell my artwork, calendars and prints.
“I have had lots of interest in my new book since I announced I was creating it! Lots of people have pre-ordered it already.
“While I have been doing my artwork for it, it has been great to chat with local people and the owners of local businesses which are featured in it.
Artist Ruth Spillane is publishing a new book, Southport Illustrated. Lord Street in Southport
“We have some amazing places, buildings and local businesses in Southport, Birkdale, Churchtown, Ainsdale and elsewhere in our town.”
The talented mum-of-three is enjoying raising her three children in Southport: Caolan, 17; Rowan, 16; and Evie, 10.
Caolan and Rowan both work at Silcock’s Funland.
Silcock Leisure Group Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince said: “What I love about Ruth’s works is that they show the very best of how Southport looks now, but with her unique take on it.
Artist Ruth Spillane is publishing a new book, Southport Illustrated.
“Her images all have that lovely traditional Southport feeling.
“It is what we are all about here at Silcock Leisure Group, with generations of families coming to enjoy rides on our Victorian Carousel or play games in Funland or enjoy fish and chips in our restaurant.
“Ruth’s fantastic new book celebrates everything about the Southport we all know and love.
“It will make a perfect present for people this Christmas.”
- Southport Illustrated by local artist Ruth Spillane will be published on 1st October 2023. People can order it through Ruth Spillane’s Ruthie Illustrations page on Facebook here. It will also be available at local stockists including The Atkinson on Lord Street in Southport, Lancashire Makers in Churchtown Village and Waterstone’s bookshop on Chapel Street in Southport.
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