Crumps Barn Studio

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Crumps Barn Studio

Book publisher in the heart of the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire UK. We publish a select number of titles a year.

We are particularly keen to hear from authors of personal memoir and poetry, literary fiction and short stories, and we also publish the occasional rare gem of a children’s picture book. A number of our titles are also produced in rare and collectable hand bound hardback. We are passionate about books and we take a unique approach. At Crumps Barn Studio, we work hard to help our authors fulfil the

ir dreams. We are friendly and approachable, publishing just the sort of books you and your family will want to treasure.

01/11/2024

FREE poetry

01/11/2024

Poetry event tomorrow!

25/10/2024

There is so much going on in Cirencester over the next week, and I hope you’ll join us if you can!

Saturday 26 October – Pop-up shop & book signing with Elizabeth McManus – we’re back in the Parish Forum in Cirencester (in the cluster of buildings at the heart of the Market Place, facing the church) with our pop-up shop, and special guest Elizabeth McManus, author of stunningly beautiful poetry collection Later, Icarus. She’ll be signing books from 11am.

Later, Icarus: Myths and legends capture the fragility and intensity of human experience – but there are gaps between the stories people hold to be true and how it feels to witness these moments or live them. Thoroughly relatable, Later, Icarus uncovers what happens beyond the headlines, in the aftermath. All at once evoking a classical epilogue and a beautifully personal story of the everyday, these are the voices of ordinary people in poetry – the legends and the forgotten – as they reveal their own truths, and experience what comes next.

Sunday 27 October - Write your own historical & magical story: Cirencester History Festival writing workshop with local author Steve Skinley. 2-5pm Drop in to Waterstones in Cirencester and join Steve Skinley, author of children’s fantasy novel The Otherlands, to discover the fascinating history of some secret, hidden Cirencester locations. Then, start to create your very own magical story inspired by the local history under your feet, and the landscape and folklore that surrounds you. Ideal for children aged 9. FREE no booking necessary Waterstones Cirencester

Wednesday 30 October – The Surprising History of Sheep Farming. Cirencester History Festival event with Sue Andrews – Sue will be revealing the surprising story of how a nation’s prosperity came from the backs of sheep. SOLD OUT (sorry!). She’ll also be signing copies of her new book Sheep For A Reason

Friday 1 November - Iron Age Cirencester. Cirencester History Festival event ‘Picture the Past’ Local History Workshop with Anne Buffoni. 12-1:30pm at the Corinium Museum. What was the Cirencester area like during the Iron Age, before the Romans arrived? Explore more about our prehistoric area with Anne Buffoni, author of Kirin of the Dobunni. Includes plenty of drawing, cutting and sticking. This historical crafty session is perfect for children aged 7+ and doesn’t require parental supervision. Event generously sponsored by Cirencester Archaeological and Historical Society. Tickets £5, booking essential Corinium Museum

Friday 1 November – The Otherlands Walking Workshop. Cirencester History Festival event exploring the town’s Forgotten, Historic & Magical Spaces with Steve Skinley. 10-11:30am. Trolls live under an abandoned railway bridge, magic awaits at the old copse, and folk tales come to life at City Bank: look for clues to a forgotten past with Steve Skinley, author of children’s adventure The Otherlands, on a fun and creative walking workshop. Starts and finishes at Octavia’s Bookshop. Please bring a waterproof and wellies. Age 7+. Adult supervision is required, and adults need a ticket too. Tickets £8, booking essential

Saturday 2 November – History-themed Poetry Open Mic event. 11am-2pm at the Parish Forum, Market Place, Cirencester. Calling all poets! This family friendly open mic poetry event is hosted by us in collaboration with community radio station Cirencester Radio and will be recorded for broadcast at a later date. Poets of all ages are invited to come along and showcase their best original poetry with a history twist! Poems should be your own work, relate to history in some way, and be family-friendly. FREE for both performers and audience. Full information about the event is available on our website

book tickets: https://cirencesterhistoryfestival.org/

19/10/2024

Launch underway for , our new anthology of short stories, memoir and poetry reimagining historical objects in collaboration with

Find us in the heart of the Market Place until 3pm

18/10/2024

Ancient myths and Roman treasures, lost loves and haunted relics: ARTEFACT is our incredible collaboration with 29 authors and objects from the collection, and it is launching tomorrow/today (depending on the time you read this) at Parish Forum, Market Place, Cirencester

Join us if you can! From 11am onwards

Available in bookshops from next week

16/10/2024

NEW RELEASE: discover the Secret Life of Mary James, Welshwoman featuring diaries written in 1916-20. Not only does it contain a fascinating story of a young woman breaking the mould and heading to university, but it also provides insight into the lives of a region of Cardiff which at the time was only just beginning to be developed.

"I should hate to live a quiet, cabbage life ... I would rather have a soul, though it must ever be hungry; I would rather live, though it means suffering"

At the age of fourteen, Mary James begins chronicling her life. For the next five years, her diary becomes her closest confidant as she finds her feet as a young woman on the busy streets of Llandaff North and Whitchurch in Cardiff.

Her family are property developers and boat builders connected to the bustling Gabalfa Dock on the Glamorganshire Canal.

Family rifts and tragedies, the shortages of a world war, religion, local shops and entertainments, and a passion for education which will lead her to university: Mary James emerges as a courageous and determined voice of her age.

A stunning window into the lives and struggles of a household in Cardiff in the early 20th century, written by a young woman on the cusp of adulthood - essential reading for anyone with an interest in Welsh 20th century history

02/10/2024

Our wonderfully gothic author Amaris Chase is about to launch her dark moon inspired collection of horror stories on Monday at 7pm at the gorgeous Typewronger Books in Edinburgh

As the moon rises, the dark night carries a warning. Death walks in many forms.

DARK MOON TALES features twenty nine original frights seeped in myth and mystery, from Edinburgh's new voice in gothic horror

26/09/2024

Great news for fans of Michael Bartlett - his new book is out today!

RETURN TO MY VILLAGE IN THE VALLEY

Nothing much ever happens in my Village in the Valley. We drift along peacefully …
A casual visitor to my Village in the Valley could be forgiven for thinking it is a gentle and quiet little country backwater.

But appearances can be deceptive.

Particularly when we all get together to tackle the annual village pantomime, an antiquated turret clock, and tyranny with gnomes.

Return to My Village in the Valley, where nothing is ever simple …

The brilliant sequel to laugh out loud comedy My Village in the Valley

‘Absolutely one of the best laugh out loud books you can treat yourself to …’ – GOODREADS REVIEWER

‘Who said country life was boring? A great read’ – Five stars

‘Funny, gentle and wise’ – Five stars

‘Highly recommended’ – Five stars

26/09/2024

Great news for fans of Michael Bartlett - his new book is out today!

RETURN TO MY VILLAGE IN THE VALLEY:
Nothing much ever happens in my Village in the Valley. We drift along peacefully …

A casual visitor to my Village in the Valley could be forgiven for thinking it is a gentle and quiet little country backwater.

But appearances can be deceptive.

Particularly when we all get together to tackle the annual village pantomime, an antiquated turret clock, and tyranny with gnomes.

Return to My Village in the Valley, where nothing is ever simple …

The brilliant sequel to laugh out loud comedy My Village in the Valley

‘Absolutely one of the best laugh out loud books you can treat yourself to …’ – GOODREADS REVIEWER

‘Who said country life was boring? A great read’ – Five stars

‘Funny, gentle and wise’ – Five stars

‘Highly recommended’ – Five stars

20/09/2024

You are always welcome to visit us here at Crumps Barn bookshop and gallery.

Open Monday to Saturday 10:30 to 4:00

Directions can be found on our website.

19/09/2024

Another glorious afternoon here at the shop and gallery with some much needed sunshine beaming in through the windows.

Today we are delighted to announce the publication of Steaming Through Wolsztyn by Jeff Nichols

For over twenty years, The Wolsztyn Experience provided an opportunity for railway enthusiasts to support and promote the last days of main line steam in Poland.

Working on the footplate of a steam locomotive is far from glamorous; it is dirty, gritty and hard work – with an element of danger thrown in ...

‘What an adventure – told with such enthusiasm and wit’ - STUART SAMUEL, author of Heavenly Tidings & Railway Sidings

Available direct from us or through your local bookshop.

18/09/2024

The author of Otherlands will be taking part in the Cirencester History Festival with a guided tour, Cirencester's Forgotten, Historic and Magical Spaces on Friday 1 November.
More details on our website and

16/09/2024

Coming soon, a new collection of classic spooky horror from Amaris Chase.

Twenty nine original frights seeped in myth and mystery, from the new voice in gothic horror.

Perfect reading for this Halloween, but beware, 'You don't find them, They find you '

09/09/2024

Breaking news: Sue Andrews' event at Cirencester History Festival this October has SOLD OUT

Be quick to book your places for our other events featuring Steve Skinley and Anne Buffoni (both on Friday 1 November) as tickets are going fast ... https://cirencesterhistoryfestival.org/events/event-date-friday-1st-november/

Our Poetry Open Mic event on Saturday 2 November is completely FREE and no booking is necessary. If you'd like to keep up to date with news about this event and others, sign up for our newsletter via our website https://www.crumpsbarnstudio.co.uk/

06/09/2024

Tickets are on sale today!!

05/09/2024

Launching later this month, we're returning to Michael Bartlett 's comedy short story collection My Village in the Valley with a brand new laugh out loud sequel. Whatever you do, never underestimate a quiet little country backwater ...

Return to My Village in the Valley is also definitely not inspired by the people and antics of a Norfolk community. Honest.

28/08/2024

A cover reveal and a bit of news:

STEAMING THROUGH WOLSZTYN is Jeff Nicholls' brilliant personal story of his adventures with the trains, the characters and 5000 miles of Polish railways on the Wolsztyn Experience.

The book is out on 19.09.24 and already it is ranked #1 in railway books https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steaming-Through-Wolsztyn-characters-footplates/dp/1915067448/

21/08/2024

Gorgeous handmade stoneware ceramics by are now in stock.

This large cup and saucer is decorated with brightly coloured slip and hand drawn abstract sgraffito designs.
The saucer measures 9" diameter and the cup is 5". The maker designed them to be a centrepiece rather than functional ware. There are two similar cups and saucers available.

Get in touch for more info or come and take a closer look at these and more at our gallery.

19/08/2024

The rites of an arranged marriage weave their own dark bonds beyond the grave in this incredible limited edition zine, which has been risograph printed by the renowned Typewronger Books in Edinburgh

Ghost Marriage is a brilliant short story from Amaris Chase’s forthcoming gothic short story collection Dark Moon Tales. It is available from us and outlets across Edinburgh in a special format. A zine is a unique publishing form for short fiction, poetry and original writing, in this case presented in a mini concertina fold. We only have a small number available for online purchase and we're delighted to be collaborating for the first time with in this way

Visit our website to buy online

16/08/2024

We're delighted to announce that we’ve now opened the doors of our stunningly beautiful barn in the countryside, which is our new base. Visitors can browse our titles and Fine Art, so please come and visit us when you can.

We’re open Monday to Saturday at the moment, 10:30 to 4pm.

07/08/2024

Delighted to be able to announce that we are part of a core group of committed businesses and community organisations helping to bring Cirencester its first History Festival later this year! The programme includes headline talks and family events, featuring authors and historians from across the UK, and takes place in some of the brilliant venues across Cirencester. Crumps Barn Studio authors Sue Andrews, Anne Buffoni and Steve Skinley are part of that lineup, plus history themed book launches and free events planned. We've been keeping this news under our hat for a long time, and we couldn't be more excited. More will be announced in the coming weeks, but first: save the dates - the Festival runs from 26 October to 3 November

THE WHOLE of Cirencester is 'pulling together' as a festival comes to the town for the first time later this year.

25/07/2024

Incredible read HOME FRONT WICKHAM opens the doors of a family home in the 1930s and 40s. Look out for this beautiful book at the Wickham Festival next week

Also in bookshops and online: https://amazon.co.uk/Home-Front-Wickham-wartime-village/dp/1915067464/

24/07/2024

Ayse Ozlem Yilmaz is live on air today from midday, talking about her work as a doctor helping the pharmaceutical industry to develop programs with international aid agencies to improve child health, and how her own young daughter became the inspiration behind new children's book The Long Garden Detective

Address

Syde
Cheltenham
GL539PN

Website

https://www.crumpsbarnstudio.co.uk/

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Step through our door this Saturday and enter a world

Launching LATER, ICARUS, the stunning new poetry collection from Elizabeth McManus in Cirencester today. Beautiful book in a beautiful setting. If you love the Classics, you'll love this elegant, inspiring collection which looks at the everyday people behind the headlines in antiquity #theclassics #mythandlegend

NEW RELEASE They say that in the end we're reunited With all we've lost - not love and circumstance But umbrellas, tissues and socks Or, in my case, that one photograph Tucked inside the book wedged halfway down - Or was it up - the bookshelf we once had The lives of dragonflies pass largely unseen until they express themselves for the briefest of moments on the wing - and, having fulfilled their obligation to future generations, disappear. Evolving and intimate, dragonflies is a personal journey through life's transformations. Graham Powell unfolds memories and moments in time; uncovering all that is lost and gained, and how we each grow into and out of ourselves, recreating the world afresh with every step we take along the way. 'Rudder sharp and banking On veined wings that whirr as the sun catches ...' Dragonflies GRAHAM POWELL has been reading and writing poetry all his life. He draws inspiration from the natural world and the poetry of writers such as Frost, Larkin and Ashbery. He has worked extensively across the education sector and published several books on the nature and purpose of learning. He lives in Cirencester – grows vegetables, walks incessantly and delights in birds, butterflies and dragonflies.

It's a book reading kind of day #rainydayreader #ruralbookshop #beautifulbookshelfreads

Is international bookshelf day a thing? Our latest titles seem to think so ... #beautifulbookselfreads #countrydancing

You've heard of bookworms, but have you ever seen an outbreak of booksheep? Details for Sue Andrews' upcoming event Cirencester History Festival will be revealed on Friday! If Clouds Were Sheep - the book Jeremy Brookes #booksheep #stopmotionfilm #animation #sheep #farm #bookreaders #cotswoldlife

We're delighted to announce a call for submissions for poetry and short stories written by children aged 8 to 15, inspired by history. Young writers are invited to submit up to two poems or short stories featuring a moment in the past. We recently announced a similar anthology for adult authors. This new call for submissions is being run in parallel, and will celebrate the talent of younger authors. In collaboration with Corinium Museum in Cirencester, children are being invited to jump into the past and get inspired by a museum’s work or its collection. The finished book will be launched later this year with a local event and sales will raise money for a Community children’s project. Children aged 8 to 15 can submit their work as an individual, or through their school. The deadline is 8th of August 2024. We've created this call for submissions as an opportunity for young writers to experience life as a published author and help raise funds for a brilliant local cause. Find more information and resources on our website https://www.crumpsbarnstudio.co.uk Please share widely with children you known and schools! #kidswhowrite #youngwriters #charityproject

This is it, we're signing off for the season ♥️ see you on 2 January for more books and a year full of literary and art events. Thank you for being part of our fabulously bookish year. We hope you have a wonderful break too 📚📚📚 #newyear #festivewishes #seasonsgreetings #cirencester #artgallery #bookpublisher #bookshop

Books, artwork, greetings cards, gifts, and carved wooden bookends - we're open today! #saturdayshopping #Cirencester

Newly opened this week is a fabulous show of oil paintings by @sarah.darby_art - painted strictly from life in natural light, the colours in this collection are so vibrant. Featuring original paintings from @hidcotent @kelmscottmanor and the River Thames, OBSERVE by Sarah Darby is free to view in our Cirencester bookshop throughout September #hidcotemanorgarden #kelmscottmanor #countrygarden #enpleinair #oilpainting #cotswoldlandscape #contemporarypainting #cotswoldartist #cirencesterart #cirencester #artgallery

One of the benefits of the grand rearrange is being able to finally do justice to this incredible pair of studies by Alison Vickery Two seasons, two impressions of the same Cotswold landscape - Alison works from the same point overlooking the Woodchester Valley time and time again. Working in watercolour and gouache, each piece is an encapsulated moment, evoking both weather and light. On view now in the studio bookshop in Cirencester #fineart #landscapestudy #gouachepainting #watercolourpainting #cotswoldartist #watercolorartist #watercolourartist #watercolor #originalart #Cirencester

A very appropriate artwork for the weather today. New arrival from Judith Samuel 'Sunburst, stormclouds coming' is the expression of a moment in time in the Welsh landscape. Oil on canvas and on show in the studio bookshop in Cirencester now #landscapepainting #impastopainting #texturedpainting #oilpainting #oiloncanvas #newart #northwales #ceredigion #welshmountains #paletteknifepainting #Cirencester #cirencestershopping #artgalleryuk

An amazing new collection from Sue Bown - our guest artist until August. Sue's work is all about the interplay of colours and movement, the relationships between pairings of artworks and the melody they create Hanging today, officially opening tomorrow... #melody #artexhibition #contemporaryabstract #abstract #hangingday #newexhibtion #contemporarypainting #acrylicpainting #screenprinting #cirencester

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Our Story

Crumps Barn Studio is a publisher based in the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, England. We publish memoir, fictionalised memoir and local history books. We bring you new and established authors who write just the sort of book you and your family will want to treasure and enjoy time and time again. Are you an author? Get in touch!