Book Launch – Ray Howard-Jones: My Hand is The Voice of The Sea
We were absolutely thrilled to lauch David Moore's latest publication, Ray Howard-Jones: My Voice is The Hand of The Sea last night at Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd / National Museum Cardiff. It was a brilliant night, and we are very pleased with its success. Thank you to Amgueddfa Cymru for its continued support on the publication, without their fantastic work this launch would not have been possible.
Pictured: David Moore during his illustrated talk
David's illustrated talk went through the different stages of Ray's life, beginning at her very early childhood, and even got to show the audience some of her earliest works that were done as a child. He took us through her education and relationships, her career as an artist as well as a mosaicist, and then some of his own personal memories with Ray from the 1980s. On one of their many journeys in Ray's car from Pembrokeshire to her home in London, David recalled a memory of them breaking down on the M4 and having to call the AA to rescue them.
David's presentation was engaging and it is clear from her extensive history that his extensive research for Ray Howard-Jones: My Hand is The Voice of The Sea will ensure that her legacy continues to live on in Welsh history and beyond.
Pictured: Graffeg's Publishing Director, Peter Gill (left) and author David Moore (right).
Ray Howard-Jones: My Hand is The Voice of The Sea
David Moore, £35
The launch began with a fascinating short film by Roger Worsley that featured Ray and drew attention to her keen fascination with nature. Attendees and passers-by were captivated by the intricacy of her art that focused on wildlife. She drew all things from the puffins on Skomer Island that she frequently visited, birds and chicks, and butterflies. The film truly captured Ray as a caring soul, and she admitted that she was brought up 'to care for the birds,' and would often befriend them feeding and nursing them if hurt or unwell. Her delicate care of the nature around her meant that she could get closer to them, resulting in her detailed work.
One little detail that remained with us in the office was that Ray would feed the butterflies using banana skins, and that they would thoroughly enjoy it. Her history is remarkable, and we're so pleased to have published her first ever illustrated biography.
Pictured: David Moore signing his book, Ray Howard Jones: My Hand is The Voice of The Sea
Thank you to all that attended. It was a night to remember!
If you didn't get to attend, copies are available to buy from your local bookshops or online via our website.
