Following a
postal glitch I am unable to review a ‘paper book’, so I’m seizing this
opportunity to share with you ‘The Magical and Magnificent Pattle Sisters’, a
story written and performed by Olivia Armstrong as part of a series called ‘Watts
Gallery Bedtime Stories’.
This story has all the classic ingredients of a good bedtime
story. Instead of a picture book we have a wonderful painting by GF Watts to
look at and Olivia’s soothing voice. She also takes us on a wonderful journey
and encourages us to step into the painting and to dream. It also makes me long
for an afternoon tea of strawberries and cream!
Hearing this story also makes me want to visit The Watts Gallery
which is located in Surrey. Founded in 1904 as the only gallery in the UK
devoted to a single artist, Watts Gallery and Artists' Village offers a unique
insight into the life and work of 'England's Michelangelo', G F Watts, and his
wife, the designer and artist Mary Watts. The Artists' Village carries on the
Watts' legacy of 'Art for All' with its historic and contemporary galleries,
working Artist in Residence and conservation studios, and an extensive learning
programme.
Olivia has been telling stories all her life and professionally for over fourteen years. She has an extensive repertoire of traditional folk tales and historical stories. She is also frequently commissioned to devise and perform site specific original stories. Like all mistresses of their craft, Olivia makes the telling of a gripping story appear effortless. Last year, I listened to her tell a story about the life of the young Leonardo Da Vinci to an equally spellbound group including people from nine months to ninety years.
Check out
Olivia’s website for further details.
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