Ghosts of the Restless Shore

It was always envisaged that the original walks along the Sefton Coast Path, completed by the four artists in the summer of 2014, and the work started on these 'meanders', would be realised in the form of a book. This would also include a series of essays from the contributors allowing them to contextualise their work whilst also giving the project a life beyond the exhibition walls.

The initial walk was followed by individual research by the artists and collaborations along with seminars and meetings that pushed the work forward into new areas and the book traces the project from its inception to the exhibition.

Two publications that both inspired and informed the artists throughout the project were, 'The Sands of Time' by Phil Smith and 'Strands' by Jean Sprackland, who was kind enough to write the foreword to the book. Without these two texts and the knowledge so freely given by John Dempsey, the book would not have been possible.

Mike Collier, who has edited the book, contextualises the project in his introduction and discusses the 'The Phenomenological Walk' and the importance to the project of space, place and memory. The book brings together the process of creating the work, essays from all those involved with the project and in addition includes all the pieces that were hung in the show at the Atkinson Gallery.

'Ghosts of the Restless Shore' received considerable public support from a number of organisations and individuals including The Arts Council of England, Sefton Council, the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership, the University of Sunderland, Liverpool University, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the University of Liverpool, Arts Editions North, and WALK.

The book is available from Corner House Publications at a cost of £12.99.