Friday 9 March 2012

Is anybody out there?


If you are reading this, there's a good chance you've picked up a travelling book. If so I'd love to know its whereabouts! These books are adventurers and explorers, hoping to connect with whoever they meet along their journey. If they have connected with you, please let me know. There might be hand-written comments in the back of the book from its past custodians to pass on to me perhaps? And if you have any images of the places your book winds up in, they would also be welcome. You can submit comments or contributions either directly to this blog, or to my e-mail at info@kathrynoubridge.com if you prefer.

To bring you up to date:

Noah was last seen in Holy Trinity Church on Boar Lane in Leeds, whilst Zola was left travelling the Circle Line on the London Underground last Autumn. I'm beginning to wonder whether he's still going round in circles.

Hannibal was left in the custody of a friendly invigilator at the Venice Biennale 2011, but I've heard no more news of him so far. I'm really hoping that Wainwright isn't still stuck in a Gallery in Bradford, but has managed to get out and about a bit.

Boudica was left loitering in the departure lounge of Leeds Bradford Airport, destination unknown, last October. Surely she's taken off by now?

Hecateus must be having a good time though, provided he's survived the culture shock of travelling directly from Barnsley to New York.

I expect Walter had a heavenly time at the Duomo in Milan, but where is he now?

It was pleasing to hear that Tin Hinan was picked up in Venice and escorted on to Morocco, but I can't help wondering what has become of her since. Ibn Battuta found refuge at St Catherine's British Embassy School in Athens for a time, but really could be anywhere now.

Hopefully Jonah didn't end up in the Thames, but who knows?

Below is a tabulated log of places where my travellers have been released into the wild. Each is named after a famous traveller or explorer (actual and mythological) to personalise it and render each as individual as its own unique journey. I do hope this project grows into a mapping and connecting adventure, and not a search for missing persons!

So far my travellers from the UK have reached Italy, Greece, Morocco and the United States.

Later today I plan to release Cortes, Rohlfs, Lawrence, Guy, Edmund and Jedediah at the Leeds International Artists Book Fair. I wish them luck. Please keep me posted if you meet them!

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