Halesowen illustrator to launch quirky circus book (From Halesowen News)

Halesowen illustrator to launch quirky circus book

12:56pm Monday 11th February 2013 in News

A TALENTED Halesowen illustrator is appealing for people to get behind his bid to launch a book at a London graphic arts fair.

Joe Taylor is part of the Coffee Club collective which is putting together a compendium of circus drawings to premiere at Pick Me Up which will run at Somerset House from April 18 to 28.

But to get the project off the ground its members - Joe and fellow illustrators Tris Tolliday, Chloe Cook, Joe Taylor, Jasmine Hortop, Lucy Kenny and Katie Bennett - need financial backing.

They are asking people to donate via their website to receive quirky hand crafted items including stickers, posters, screen prints and copies of the book, called Coffee Club Almanac, when it is printed, in return.

Joe, a 22-year-old former Windsor High and King Edward VI pupil, of Windsor Close, said: “By pledging for our books, posters, stickers and cards, people are not only getting great quality gifts, but they are helping us set up an amazing show at Pick Me Up.

“I’m really excited about the project - it’s the biggest thing that’s happened to me since leaving university.”

The group formed when the friends, who were studying at Birmingham City University, began meeting at a coffee shop every Friday to give each other advice and feedback on their work.

As well as launching the book the friends want to stage free live arts workshops at the fair.

Anyone donating £3 will get a digital wallpaper, for £12 or more you will receive a copy of the book, while for £120 people will get a copy of the Coffee Club Almanac, a limited edition A3 signed screen print and a mention in the book.

Anyone interested can visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/tristolliday/coffee-club-book/