Exclusive Stockton Prints for Sale at DRAKE - The Bookshop
Abby with owners of DRAKE - The Bookshop, Richard and Mel.
After years of working with businesses on a commission basis, In March 2018 I got the chance to work on a passion project of mine, creating artwork for my hometown of Stockton-on-Tees.
I have such a fondness for Stockton, as it's where I grew up and where I currently live. It holds a lot of dear memories for me. I was determined to pay my beloved town homage and decided to create an exclusive print, working with the same style of illustration that I have used for other clients including, Cleveland College of Art & Design and Hartlepool Council.
DRAKE, a local independent bookshop, hit me as the ideal home for my prints. Having recently won The British Book Awards’ Independent Bookshop of the Year in the North category, DRAKE has a fantastic reputation and is a place I often visit. Throughout the year they hold author events, book clubs and activities to get children and adults excited about reading. It was the sense of community for bookworms that drew me in, and confirmed for me as the right place for my prints.
The store is beautiful and cosy with an exceptional collection of hand-picked books. I went in and met with the owners, Richard and Melanie, proposed my idea and showed my existing work. When I asked if they would be interested in stocking artwork that depicted locations in Stockton, they said yes, they would love to, and I was over the moon. This is the first artwork to be sold at DRAKE.
I created the Stockton High Street illustration in my trademark vintage style, available in both A4 and A5. I also tried something a little different for Stockton Town Hall illustration, using a minimalist, contemporary style. The rich red tones of the Town Hall, against the mustard yellow background works so well and I would love to work with this style more often. The print is currently available in A5.
There is strong potential to expand on these prints to create a full range of Stockton artwork, featuring other landmarks such as such as the Millenium Bridge. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what you would like to see next! Be sure to message me with any ideas and to tag me online with your suggestions and photos.
There has been an influx of interest in businesses wanting their own illustration of their place of work for decorative and promotional uses, or even to use on their own merchandise! If you would like to inquire about commissioning a bespoke illustration of your building or place of work, please email hello@iamabbytaylor.com or fill in the contact form on the Contact page.
Find DRAKE at:
www.drakethebookshop.co.uk
27 Silver St, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1SX