NICK.BROOK@cluthaleader.co.nz
Readers and artists are discovering a new destination at the south end of Clinton’s main road.
Pages Read is a bookshop, friendly library and arts and crafts gallery set up and managed by local creative and entrepreneur Janice Purchase and Clutha Valley artist Colin Dewe.
‘‘I love books and I always wanted to open my own ideal bookshop as a retirement project,’’ Mrs Purchase said.
‘‘So it’s bright, clean and neat and carefully thought out for space, flow and colour — the way you might plan an art project.’’
Besides books for sale, exchange or free one-month loan to locals and travellers, the shop welcomes artists and craftspeople to display their work for sale at no commission.
Mr Dewe is a photographer, designer and abstract artist managing the front counter at the store.
‘‘We have farm workers leave their gumboots outside to choose really interesting titles, and tourists keen to see the wood-turning and handmade toys and jewellery.
‘‘A lot of people meet here and its great to see the network of creativity that’s growing out of it,’’ Mr Dewe said.
Pages Read is operating at a relaxed, retirement pace but Mrs Purchase said she was working towards plans to expand into neighbouring space to develop a kind of artisan department store.
