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A unique literary-inspired sculpture will be unveiled to the public at KPMG Castle Night this Friday as part of a reading project led by the Guernsey Literary Festival.
The Guernsey Book Bench is shaped like an open book and painted with iconic scenes from local literary classic, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page by G B Edwards. The project, sponsored by KPMG, aims to celebrate Guernsey’s literary heritage while inspiring people young and old to enjoy reading.
To mark the launch of the project, copies of G B Edwards’ book will be hidden around Castle Cornet on Friday for members of the public to find. People are encouraged to read the book and pass it on for someone else to enjoy once they have finished.
Festival volunteers will be on hand at the Book Bench on Friday to give more information about the upcoming Guernsey Literary Festival, which takes place 16-20 September. Gates open at 6pm at Castle Cornet with free entry and a full programme of music and entertainment for all the family.
Local artist Charlie Buchanan worked with sixth form students Lauren Perry and Sam O’Neil to paint the bench. They found inspiration for the design in the Priaulx Library, using photographs of local people in the late 1800s and paintings of the island to bring the famous story to life.
The sculpture will be installed in Market Square until the end of the Festival in September where members of the public can take photos with the bench and share them on social media.
After the Festival, in conjunction with the literacy charity Every Child our Future, the Book Bench will begin a tour of every school in the island bringing reading alive to children.
Catriona Stares, director of the Guernsey Literary Festival, said: “Charlie and the team have done a brilliant job of capturing the spirit of what many consider the quintessential Guernsey novel. Guernsey is full of creative, talented people and has inspired writers and painters for centuries. Through this project, we want to celebrate our island’s rich artistic heritage while also inspiring people to share their love of books.”
