I really enjoy working on books; a big project to get your teeth into.
Most of the book work I’ve done has been for National Museums Liverpool (NML) where I’ve produced exhibition catalogues and venue and collection guides. Some are shown below. Consequently, I’ve lots of experience in planning, editing/writing text, image sourcing/copyright clearance, commissioning design and print, and contributing to promotion.
I also revamped the commercial publications function at NML. There was a lot of potential for book sales and I was employed to develop and execute a commercial publications strategy. I created high quality, accessible publications with engaging writing, modern and consistent design, and vastly improved image quality. This led to increased sales and profit.
Sickert – A Life in Art
Catalogue to accompany the exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery. Involved editing content, sourcing images and preparing for publication. One of several exhibition catalogues I’ve produced including A Pre-Raphaelite Journey and A Collector’s Eye.
John Moores Exhibition catalogue
A project I’ve delivered on many occasions, the catalogue usually involves editing/ proofing copy and collating and clearing images. The 2023 edition can be found here.
Morrissey International Airport
One of several self-published books I’ve proofed/edited for clients. See Dickie’s comments below.
Liverpool: The Story of a City
One of several venue/collection guides produced for NML – others include the Walker Art Gallery, Pre-Raphaelite Treasures and Lady Lever Art Gallery. Each involved commissioning/ producing the book, editing copy from several sources into a coherent whole, and sourcing all images.
China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors
A best seller and winner of the Association for Cultural Enterprises’ award for Best Exhibition Catalogue in 2019. Involved editing content from several Chinese curators, sourcing all imagery and art direction.
Old Royal Naval College guide
The essential introduction to more than 500 years of history in Greenwich. It was written to both accompany a visit and provide a souvenir. Involved editing masses of disparate content into a single volume.
Transatlantic Slavery: An Introduction
Created for the National Museums Liverpool venue and to introduce readers to the harrowing subject of transatlantic slavery. Involved commissioning/ production of the book, turning gallery text into book copy and sourcing all images.
Not Being on the Road to Anywhere
A guidebook written for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB in North Wales. Involved editing/writing copy on the history and natural history of the area.
We worked with Karen on several major Walker Art Gallery publications. She is an excellent production manager and I always breathe a sigh of relief when she is at the helm. Karen is very throrough, with impressive attention to detail, and we have also entrusted her to liaise with numerous external contacts on our behalf. As a text editor she is very meticulous and always takes the time to really check and understand any queries. As a result, I’ve been confident that our publications have had the most professional editorial input when they go to print.
Ann Bukantas, former Head of Fine Art and the Walker Art Gallery
Karen provided excellent editorial direction for my second book, ‘Morrissey International Airport’. Her advice and guidance were invaluable. While she edited and proofread the book she also sense-checked throughout, and played a big part in making my book a success.
Dickie Felton, Author and Morrissey Super Fan