New book celebrates picturesque Dee Valley

* Author Jessica Hatcher-Moore reads from the new book at the library launch event.

A fascinating new book, entitled Dee Valley: The Making of Our Picturesque Landscape, has gone on sale locally.

The book, produced by the Our Picturesque Landscape project and written by local author Jessica Hatcher-Moore, takes readers on a visual journey of the inspirational landscapes of the Dee Valley, and includes stories of the influential characters and events which have shaped the area over the last 400 years.

The coffee table-style book features some of the outstanding works of art which have been inspired by the picturesque Dee Valley over the centuries, including those by world-renowned painters such as Richard Wilson, Paul Sandby and J.M.W. Turner, as well as contemporary local artists still finding inspiration in the Dee Valley today. 

A series of historic postcards and photographs of the area are a welcome addition, alongside some of the beautiful written descriptions and poems that have been composed about the Dee Valley throughout the years.

The book will be available to purchase at local venues including Plas Newydd Historic House, Llangollen Tourist Information Centre and Loggerheads Country Park among others, and with a limited print run, those interested are advised to buy their copy early to avoid disappointment.

During the launch event at Llangollen Library yesterday (Tuesday) evening guests heard from the project team and author Jessica Hatcher-Moore about the inspiration and creative process behind the book, as well as picking up their own copies.  

The book has been produced through the Our Picturesque Landscape project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Hannah Marubbi, Partnership Officer for Our Picturesque Landscape project, said: “The Dee Valley has played such an historically significant role in both the Picturesque art movement and the Industrial Revolution, and with this book we are delighted to be able to share the stories of how these very different aspects have combined to shape the Dee Valley of today. 

"We are really proud of this book, which beautifully depicts the changing landscapes of the Dee Valley, and are very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the funding which has made our project, and this book, possible.”