Fine Press Poetry - Closing Down due to health issues

Hello

The following is the text of a newsletter that I have just sent to my subscribers. I hope it is ok to share it here too.

I started my publishing efforts as a hobby, with no previous experience in publishing, in 2012 after a successful kidney transplant. I now feel that, after going through two distinct life threatening illnesses in 2024 (a pericardial effusion and a lymphoma where I was given a 1 in 5 chance of surviving the year though I’m told that I’m now in remission) that it is time to have another change.

My final publication, ‘Lyrical’, featuring poetry by Denise Riley complemented by Royal Academician Eileen Cooper’s images. The book is in production and will emerge at some time later this year.

In the meantime I wonder if you might be interested in any of the stock of previous publications that I have.

Last month I was offered the opportunity to buy back a set of ‘Deluxe’ copies of some of my publications from an experienced collector who has had his own health issues. The books, many of which were previously sold out are in ‘As New’ condition and are listed below;

Eight World’s Wives - Simon Armitage with wood engravings by Hilary Paynter
Tract - Simon Armitage with paintings by Hughie O’Donoghue
TAKK - Michael Symmons Roberts with illustrations by Jake Attree
A Short Story of Falling - Alice Oswald with metal engravings by Maribel Mas
Coming Home - Andrew Motion with wood engravings by Jane Ledbury
Exit the Known World - Simon Armitage with wood engravings by Hilary Paynter
The Italian Chapel - Sinéad Morrissey with metal engravings by Maribel Mas
Considering the Poppy - Simon Armitage with wood engravings by Chris Daunt
In addition I have been in the, somewhat patchy, habit of keeping copy number 1 of each publication for myself (I will continue to keep copy A of the Deluxe edition) but I’m now prepared to let copy 1 of the following go.

The ones I have available are;

A Short Story of Falling - Alice Oswald with metal engravings by Maribel Mas
Buile Suibhne - Seán Hewitt with wood engravings by Amy Jeffs
Homer’s Octopus - Michael Longley with illustrations by Sarah Longley
Birds & Flowers - Michael Longley with illustrations by Sarah Longley
Metamorphoses - Michael Longley with illustrations by Sarah Longley
Grimoire - Robin Roberston with drawings by Tim Robertson
TAKK - Michael Symmons Roberts with illustrations by Jake Attree
Queenhood - Simon Armitage with a frontispiece by Hester Cox
Skeins o Geese - Kathleen Jamie with woodcuts by Jo Sweeting
A Clockwork Diorama - David Harsent with copperplate etchings by Veta Gorner
I also have a small number of the fully leather bound ‘Presentation’ editions of the following books available.

Queenhood - Simon Armitage with a frontispiece by Hester Cox
Grimoire - Robin Roberston with drawings by Tim Robertson
Birds & Flowers - Michael Longley with illustrations by Sarah Longley
Skeins o Geese - Kathleen Jamie with woodcuts by Jo Sweeting
A Clockwork Diorama - David Harsent with copperplate etchings by Veta Gorner
Metamorphoses - Michael Longley with illustrations by Sarah Longley
There are a number of my publications that have not sold out and these are listed on my website FinePressPoetry.com.

You’ll understand that, under the prevailing circumstances, I am keen for my publications to find a new home. I am very grateful for your support of my efforts over the years.

With very best wishes

Andrew Moorhouse

>1 AJMoorhouse: Sorry to hear this, Andrew. I'm fortunate to own a few of your publications. They are beautiful, inspiring, and significant. And offered at a fine price, one of the best values in fine press publishing today!

Best wishes for a continuing recovery and many years to come.

Scott B

Take good care Andrew! Eight World's Wives is a treasure in my library. I wish you all the best on this rocky road of aging and ailing. May you find joy and the comfort of loved ones along your path.

>2 SDB2012: Hi Scott. Many thanks for your kind words and support over the years.

Very best wishes

Andrew

>3 jveezer: many thanks for your kind words.

Very best wishes
Andrew

>1 AJMoorhouse: I am glad to hear that you are in remission, and can understand making a change. I didn't realise you came to the field so comparatively recently, and with no prior experience. You've been incredibly productive in that time, and have produced many splendid volumes. It's a legacy to be proud of, and I hope you have many years to look back upon it fondly.

Best always,

Howard

>6 Shadekeep: thank you for these kind words Howard and also your support over the years which has been much appreciated.

Very best wishes
Andrew

Poetry is not my go to reading experience but I purchased a book by Fine Press Poetry late last year and I was bowled over. Andrew has a good eye and it's a beautiful production. I have acquired a couple more books in the closing down sale. One of the strengths of the fine press world is its' diversity; small operators expressing themselves through the titles they select and they way they choose to present them. Fine Press Poetry will be missed.

This podcast on the press is just shy of 20 minutes and is well worth a listen.
https://www.englishsharedfutures.uk/home/esf-online/small-press-podcast-fine-pre...

>8 Pendrainllwyn: many thanks for these kind comments on my efforts. I do think that my publications have excellent production values. John Grice at the Evergreen Press has done all my printing and the two binderies I've worked with have been excellent.