Acclaimed artist and author Ruth Spillane is inviting people to join her in the stylish setting of Wayfarers Arcade in Southport for a special book signing event.
Ruth will be inside the historic arcade, on Lord Street in Southport town centre, from midday onwards on Saturday, 18th November 2023.
She is looking forward to signing copies of her brand new Southport Illustrated book, which features her unique depictions of scenes from across the town.
They include scenes of Wayfarers Arcade itself, which is celebrating its 125th birthday this year after opening to the public in 1898.
Artist Ruth Spillane is publishing a new book, Southport Illustrated. Wayfarers Arcade in Southport
Other locations in the book include various sections of Lord Street, The Grand, The Atkinson, Southport Pier, Silcock’s Funland and Carousel, Churchtown Village, Birkdale Village, Southport Market Quarter, June The Florist, Hesketh Park and more.
Ruth will also be selling special Christmas cards celebrating Wayfarers Arcade at Christmas, as well as her popular calendars and prints.
It’s a great place to be for Christmas shopping!
Wayfarers will be alive on Saturday 18th November with visits from Father Christmas and Mrs Claus, and characters from the forthcoming Dick Whittington panto.
All the local, independent shops and cafes inside the venue will also be open.
The Southport BID’s Festive Fun Day is taking place that day too.
Southport Illustrated was published in October and has been enjoying a superb response from readers.
Ruth said: “I am looking forward to meeting everyone in Wayfarers Arcade on 18th November!
“It’s going to be a busy day in Southport with lots going on. A great time to enjoy everything our town has to offer.
“This will be my second book signing, with my first one at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant a couple of weeks ago.
The historic Wayfarers Arcade in Southport has marked its 125th anniversary with a weekend of Victorian celebrations with entertainment from the Gambolling Arena Theatre Company and Wrights Performing Arts. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“I always appreciate the chance to meet people and talk about my work.
“It’s nice to catch up with everyone who follows my art online or through social media.
“I often get lots of questions about the inspiration for my art, how I do it, how long it takes, and also about Southport – the wonderful buildings and places we have here and how Southport has changed over the years.
“I love Wayfarers Arcade. I just think it is so beautiful!
“Whenever you walk in, you feel a real sense you are stepping back in time. You can’t help but imagine what it must have been like to be in the arcade during the Victorian era!
“It’s one of Southport’s real gems. I love going in there.
“I feel really privileged to be able to host a book signing inside Wayfarers Arcade.”
Ruth is delighted with the response to her new Southport Illustrated book since it was published in October.
She said: “I have had such positive feedback from people, and lots of really glowing reviews on my Etsy page.
“Some people have also asked me to create a Southport Illustrated 2 book, featuring more scenes around Southport.
“Maybe next year!”
● Southport Illustrated by Ruth Spillane can be ordered through Ruth Spillane’s Ruthie Illustrations page on Facebook here. It is also available at local stockists including The Atkinson on Lord Street in Southport, Broadhurst’s Bookshop on Market Street in Southport, Lancashire Makers in Churchtown Village and Waterstone’s bookshop on Chapel Street in Southport.
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