Byfield, Graham – The Bell Bookshop

Menorca Sketchbook

Emma — Thu, 20 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Menorca Sketchbook offers a remarkable new vision of the island through watercolour and pencil sketches from Graham Byfield, long-term resident of Es Migjorn, which are supported by a highly informative text from Marcus Binney, a regular visitor to the island.

Menorca is full of hidden secrets and the book illustrates not only the main buildings and sites of obvious importance, but also many quirky aspects of Menorcan life and its glorious countryside and heritage, making it a surprise and delight to both visitors and residents alike.

Unlike many of its neighbours Menorca has been spared much of the recent ravages of development and now supports a strong ecological ethic with safeguards in place to avoid uncontrolled exploitation. A strong volunteering spirit exists, which supports the local authorities to ensure the beaches are kept clean, and many old buildings are saved from collapse and ruin, most notably the Naval Hospital on the Isla del Rey and several old windmills.

Menorca is truly a hidden gem and this book aims to reveal some of these secrets which makes the island so special.

Cambridge: the Watercolour Sketchbook

Emma — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000

The perfect introduction to the city’s architectural heritage, Cambridge – The Watercolour Sketchbook gives visitors and residents insight into a wealth of sights, both grand and intimate in scale. Many facets of the university town and surrounds are recorded here, as Graham Byfield strolls with his sketchpad through college gateways, courts and gardens, along broad streets and narrow alleyways, into great ceremonial buildings and medieval pubs full of character. All of England’s architectural styles are well represented in Cambridge, and a sunny day spent wandering around the city can be intoxicating. Indeed, as writer Marcus Binney says: “If one city had to stand for all that is fine, inventive, lovely and sensitive in English architecture, it is Cambridge.” Accompanying the paintings and sketches are observations and notes handwritten by the artist, as well as an introduction to Cambridge by heritage expert Marcus Binney.

Oxford Sketchbook

Emma — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Using over 150 watercolour painting and pencil sketches, Graham Byfield takes the reader on a tour of some of Oxford's most historic landscapes, revealing architectural treasures in little-known back streets and hidden cloisters.