UWE/Redcliffe Regional History Series

UWE’s Regional History Centre and  Bristol publishers Redcliffe Press are to join forces to publish a series of regional history studies covering Bristol and its hinterland.

The first volume, on Social Life on the Bristol Waterfront 1750-1880, edited by Steve Poole,  is planned for September 2012.  Several contributors tell the  amazing stories of the people who lived and worked in and around the city docks.

Another commissioned topic is A History of Women in Bristol: Shaping the city c.1700-2000, to be published in autumn 2013.   Edited by Madge Dresser, this will not be a celebration of ‘Bristol Greats’ but will explore the lives and achievements of a broad cross section of Bristol women.

Director of UWE’s Regional History Centre, Steve Poole said they expected to publish one or two titles a year.  In time, these would grow into a major historical resource. The books would be commissioned and edited by the UWE regional history team, and funded and published by Redcliffe.  He added: ‘With 35 years
experience of local publishing, Redcliffe Press are UWE’s logical partners in this exciting project.’

Redcliffe have now published more than 230 books on aspects of life in Bristol, ranging from architecture to football, and from cinema to Bristol’s suburban railway stations.    Director John Sansom says: ‘It was almost inevitable  for UWE and Redcliffe to join forces like this.  I’m only surprised we didn’t do it years ago.

‘For us, it will ensure a flow of significant, authoritative studies of Bristol topics – scholarly yet accessible, jargon-free and aimed at an intelligent public audience – which will add greatly to our knowledge and understanding of this great city.’

For a full book review, please see Regional Historian, Winter 2011

http://www.galleries.co.uk/g-bok.shtml

In his oration at a ceremony in the University’s Great Hall,
Michael Liversidge, Emeritus Dean of Arts, said the award was for John’s contribution to publishing and to the South West.   ‘With his wife Angela, he  established Redcliffe Press 35 years ago and
has succeeded in putting Bristol on the national publishing map.  John is being awarded an honorary degree in recognition of outstanding achievement and distinction in a field of activity consonant with the University’s mission.

‘The Redcliffe Press rose to local prominence principally but not exclusively as a publisher of books about Bristol, its region and the West Country.  It has made books about the history and culture of Bristol and Bristolians accessible to the public, and has done much to awaken interest in the city and its heritage.’

Redcliffe has now published more than 220 books about Bristol alone, but (through its associated company, Sansom & Co) is also now  known nationally as a leading publisher of books about twentieth-century British art and artists.

‘In this time, he has worked tirelessly with scores of authors, involving himself creatively in the publishing process.  John has also been an active supporter of the Friends of Bristol Art Gallery, Royal West of England Academy, the Bristol Short Story Competition and the Bristol
Review of Books of which he was a founder-editor.

‘The part he has played in Bristol life over several decades has been recognised by the Bristol Evening Post, with its Lifetime Achievement Award and by the City with the rare distinction of a Lord Mayor’s Medal.

‘What has always made Redcliffe Press distinctive has been
the way it reflects its creator’s personal passions and his extraordinary
commitment to, and belief, in the book and authors he publishes.

‘Now it is the University’s turn to add its tribute to a
remarkable and distinguished citizen for what he has contributed to learning, the arts and the community.’

To order a copy, or for more information, visit our website http://www.sansomandcompany.co.uk or contact us on 0117 9737207

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/reviews/Bristol-Safari.html#cr

We are launching Floating Harbour by Tony D’Arpino on Thursday, June 30 6.30-800 at the Arnolfini, Narrow Quay, Bristol.

Please telephone 0117 9737207 if you’d like to come along.