Issued: 24 January 2005
Donation by Artist Tracking Lost Books
A RARE book in the collection of Arbroath Library proved to be a source of inspiration for artist Nicky Bird during her 2003 residency at Hospitalfield House.
So much so that she has returned to the library to donate a unique book of her own.
Entitled Imprinted Matter, her book is a contemporary response to the original Book of Hospitalfield, published in 1894.
Only fourteen copies of the historic Book of Hospitalfield were believed to have been printed, detailing a legacy that benefits artists today.
Imprinted Matter highlights the traces of former residents of Hospitalfield, and in the spirit of the original, is also an edition of fourteen.
Nicky's donation to Arbroath and Forfar libraries (which also has a copy of the original book) is part of her attempt to trace each of the 19th century books and unite it with the appropriately numbered copy of Imprinted Matter.
Nicky Bird said: "Hospitalfield House has provided stimulation for many artists. For me it was the traces left in the house by those artists, servants and even pets of the house that was my inspiration.
"When I started to trace the books, the whereabouts of all but four were unknown. I am delighted to find two books here, and to give two copies of Imprinted Matter to the collection.
"I hope any other owners of the Book of Hospitalfield will get in touch to receive their copy of Imprinted Matter."
William W Payne, Director of the Hospitalfield Trust said: "I have been trying to trace these books for a long time. I hope Nicky's exquisite book will bring the owners of the books out of the woodwork."
Accepting Nicky's book on behalf of Angus Council, Leisure and Environmental Services Convener Joy Mowatt said: "I am delighted that Nicky has donated a copy of her own book to complement the two original Books of Hospitalfield that are held by Angus libraries. I wish Nicky luck in her search for the remaining copies."