The Bookstore, Lenox MA

In the early months of the year, before calendar printing becomes all-encompassing - we get to play in the printshop.  I have been having a great time drawing our Print Club images and using an array of stencil making techniques for a bunch of custom print projects.

My latest custom print we was for our friend Matthew Tannenbaum at The Bookstore in Lenox MA. 

Matthew and my dad, John ffrench, were great friends having met when Matthew bought the business from the previous owner.  

One of my fondest childhood memories is frequenting The Bookstore with my dad.  Dashing down the uneven sidewalk holding Dad's calloused hand and trying to keep pace with his long quick steps...  Excitedly entering the colorful calm where dad would peruse the latest releases and visit with Matthew.

My hours were spent snuggled up in the reading loft which sat high above the sales floor in the kids area.  The feeling of being hidden away in my own private cosmos was even more magical as the treehouse I dreamt of, on account of the books! 

I was never a big reader but remember more clearly while reminiscing, thumbing through picture books, getting lost in the rich and colorful illustrations, moving past the storyline into the worlds created on the pages of enchanting imagery.  Even the scent of the books, and texture of the pages comes back to me now.

The Dolphin Studio has given Matthew one of our annual silkscreened calendars to hang in his shop for possibly, ALL of the years he has been a staple of our community.  He hangs it with gusto and has fashioned a handwritten sign to accompany it's place of prominence on his wall.

On April 1st (of course!) Matthew celebrated 50 years of being in business.  We are celebrating Matthew and the hub of community, high-jinx, and literature he has created at The Bookstore.

Here is the 8-color print I designed and printed to honor Matthew’s life’s work…

Signed and numbered prints are available in person at The Bookstore, on Housatonic Street in Lenox MA or online in our shop.

Would your business (or one you know of) benefit by having a custom print made to commemorate a milestone, summer season, or just because?  Email me here - I have time for another one or two prints before we head into our all-hands-on-deck calendar production season.