Illustrated poetry collection released as family project

A LOCAL woman has joined forces with her grandson to release his first book as an illustrator, with her help as a poet.

Dawn Collins – a resident of Chapmanslade for nearly 30 years – has worked alongside her grandson Jacob Charlesworth, of Frome, to produce his first publication.

The book, entitled ‘These Shimmering Depths of Wonder’, is a collection of poems written by Dawn with illustrations by Jacob, and covers a year’s reflections.

Dawn said, “When Jacob left university it seemed a wonderful idea for us to work together. He was very sensitive straight away to the very essence of my poems and it was an extremely creative experience for us both.

“Not many books of poetry are illustrated, but we feel that this end result is an amazing weaving together of words and illustration. I’m sure it’s a process that was easier because we are grandmother and grandson. It’s also made our relationship even more special!”

‘These Shimmering Depths of Wonder’, a full-colour illustrated book of 27 poems, written by Dawn Collins and illustrated by Jacob Charlesworth is available for £12 from dawncollins_highbury@hotmail.com