Reflections On The Cottingley Fairies
I am sure many of you are familiar with the remarkable tale of the Cottingley Fairies, and the photographs taken by two young cousins which caused such a storm the early 20th century. Now we can read Frances Griffith’s own account of these events in ‘Reflections on the Cottingley Fairies‘. Frances’ memoirs recall her initial encounters with the real Fairies of Cottingley Beck, and the subsequent creation of the photographs as a way to prove these encounters. Sadly, it is clear from reading that Frances was horrified at how the deception escalated, and was haunted for the rest of her life despite her best efforts to put the whole episode behind her and lead a normal life.
Obviously for anyone interested in Fairy lore it makes fascinating reading, particularly the details of the actual sightings – the ‘Little Men’ whom she saw on many occasions and of the ‘Pretty’ Fairies who could only sometimes be seen. Frances is sometimes frustratingly vague about details, and frequently goes off on tangents (although these do prove interesting glimpses into the social history of the era), but this is easily forgiven when you remember she was writing many years after the actual events. Where possible her daughter Christine Lynch has provided additional details to fill in the gaps and continued the story from where Frances left off. There is also a good collection of photographs reprinted in the book, including The Fairy Bower – the only photo said to be of the real Fairies. Above all, Frances considered the Fairies to be just another part of nature, and her memoirs offer significant insight to this enduring story.
Reflections on the Cottingley Fairies is available to buy here.
Filed under Books & Magazines | Comment (0)Drawing Down the Moon: The Art of Charles Vess
Verdant fairy forests. Whispering mountains. The fallen towers of ancient kings. Spirit-filled lakes. The distant strains of elven bards. For over thirty years, the fantasy art of Charles Vess has been acclaimed worldwide, his rich palette, striking compositions, and lavish detail second-to-none in the field. Vess has been the illustrator of choice for countless publishers and writers, and is perhaps best known for his collaborations with bestselling author Neil Gaiman, including the illustrated novel Stardust, whose major motion-picture adaptation from Paramount Pictures launched in Summer 2007.
This magnificent oversized hardcover edition is the ultimate presentation gallery for Charles Vess‘ stunning visions, and features a forward by Suzanna Clarke (author of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell).
Buy Drawing Down the Moon: The Art of Charles Vess from Amazon.co.uk
FAE Magazine Spring 2010 – Out Now!
The new issue of Faeries and Enchantment Magazine is now available to buy. This issue includes an interview with beautiful and talented Emily Ovenden (Mediaeval Baebes, Pythia and Celtic Legend), with exclusive photography by Hayley Madden. There is also exclusive art by Marc Potts and Tamara Newman. There is an article on Nature Spirits by Danu Fox; Yuri Leitch tells us about Lord of the Fae Gwyn ap Nudd; and Felicity Fyr Le Fay goes on the hunt for Faery Men! There is a special feature on the world’s best faerie events – including South Africa’s first ever faerie festival. There is fashion by MTCoffinz, Twisted Twinkle, Vodabox & Nubia, plus clothing ideas for men are Unfurled. Browse the FAE Marketplace, and so much more in this gorgeous magazine!
Filed under Books & Magazines | Comment (0)AltFashion Faery Edition
The current issue of UK based alternative fashion/lifestyle magazine AltFashion is Faery themed, with designers Zizzyfay, Van Asch, Timjan Design, and Elven Forest Creations featured. There are photoshoots, tutorials, reviews and more in every issue. There is also still time to vote in their Best of 2009 Poll – Zizzyfay have been nominated for Best UK Designer and Senjo are up for Best International Designer. Go show your support!
Filed under Books & Magazines, Faeriewear | Comment (0)Faeries In The News
Faeries have been popping up in magazines all over the place recently…
The 19th issue of US publication Witches and Pagans (formally newWitch magazine) was a Faerie Special and featured interviews with RJ Stewart and SJ Tucker; a profile of 19th century mystic Ella Young; a guide to Renaissance Faires and modern Faerie culture; Abracadabra of the Faerie; and lots more.
Meanwhile UK based pagan magazine The Magical Times celebrates it’s second birthday with issue number 4. Of interest to Faerie fans are articles on Gnomes by Fiona Murray; Romance Mermaids; Eco Faeries; and artwork by Suzanne Gyseman, Emily Carding and Inner Fae Creations.
Finally Faeries and Enchantment magazine has spread its wings and is now availble in the USA and Canada as well as the UK and Europe. Find it in Borders, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Hastings and Indigo/Chapters book stores. FAE also has a fantastic new website where you can subscribe and order current and back issues directly.
