Born of a shared love of washing lines and poetry, the subject of this anthology is laundry and washing, reflecting many human emotions to do with family, relationships and memory. It is a collection of over 50 poems ranging from folk songs such as 'Dashing away with the smoothing iron' to contemporary poems by renowned poets including Seamus Heaney, Gillian Clarke, Tess Gallagher and Pablo Neruda. There are also over a dozen beautiful wood engravings by artists as diverse as Clare Leighton and Clifford Harper. Alexander Lee (who has written the Afterword) has suggested that we are tapping into something far more exciting than a simple love of washing lines - the current environmental and economic issues. He started Project Laundry List to campaign in America for the 'right to dry' when he realised that 6-10% of US domestic electricity is consumed by tumble driers. So whether it is the joy of washing blowing on the line, the smell of clean linen or the rhythmic dance of two people folding sheets together, this collection is a celebration. Washing Lines was launched at The Independent Woodstock Literary Festival when Gillian Clarke read a selection of poems from the book.

About the Author
We are two friends, two computers and a kitchen table and this book is genuinely born of a shared love of washing lines and poetry. Barbara -Was a counsellor for 30 years. Age 66 years. Married 3 children- lots of washing in her time, now a grandmother. Janie - was a publisher, is a bookseller. Age 57 years. Married 3 children. Loves her laundry basket.

Reviews
Radio 2 Arts Programme - 'possibly one of my favourite books of the whole year' Claire Armitstead. Oxford Times - 'the finished product is as satisfying as a clean basket of laundry' 'The most original and entertaining poetry anthology of the year' Sebastian Shakespeare, Tatler



Book Information
ISBN 9780956826503
Author Janie Hextall
Format Paperback
Page Count 80
Imprint Lautus Press
Publisher Lautus Press