My trip to Bologna was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. If I could bottle it I would. That way I could make it last, take a sip and savour it any time the inspiration levels drop. Anyone who followed my stories on instagram will already know how much I enjoyed every moment.
My illustration above doesn’t capture everything (clearly there was no giant knocker on a building) but its feels like my memory of a very fab experience.
But before I distracted I should start with the main event, the reason I went at all…
Bologna Childrens Book Fair
Things I was told that I now know to be true:
it is overwhelming - its a massive event with thousands of people, hundreds of stands, books, posters, food, talks and workshops - it can make you feel a little small, that all the books have already been published and you can’t possibly take it all in. Take it slow, pop outside if you need to, just do what you feel comfortable.
carry snacks and water - you can buy stuff there but honestly you will need to refuel for your own sanity and happiness.
wear comfortable shoes - I was doing over 30,000 steps a day, the fair is huge, there is so much to see and your feet will thank you.
marvel at the illustrators wall - it isn’t a wall, its a whole series of walls that greet you as soon as you get in. There was so much talent to see. If you are an illustrator stick up eye catching images with your contact details.
chat - say hello to people, ask them their favourite stand/book they’ve seen, tastiest gelato… its the best place to meet people from the Children’s book community - everyone there is there because they love the books. I chatted to illustrators, writers, agents, rights people, editors…
the books from other countries are super inspiring - you will see as many topics, characters, formats, print finishes, illustration techniques and genres as you can imagine.
My personal highlights were seeing Beatrice Alemagna talk, everything at the Korean stand, some of the longer format illustrated books & graphic novels, an amazing haunted house pop up book and bumping into so many lovely people.
Oh the city
Bologna is a magical maze of porticoes, squares, cafes and glorious old buildings. I wondered round in fascination, day dreaming, trying out my Duolingo Italian:
“Dov'è il bagno?” - very useful
“il pinguino è nello zucchero”- was not
I knew it would be beautiful, but I adored it - all the details, the shabbier bits, the outstanding selection of door knockers, graffiti and posters. The people and small dogs. There were lots of lovely book shops, an excellent art shop (I bought sketchbooks obvs) and some spin off exhibitions linked to the fair.
I also learnt that on International Women’s Day they give Mimosas - little bunches of yellow flowers. We saw them everywhere, I had to ask.
Oh and there was titty fountain… (Its not called that but, well, see photo)
And a sassy lion, with swishy skirts.
What I hadn’t expected is how many pals, old and new, I would bump into. I didn’t expect to hear my name being shouted as I walked down the street, or to turn a corner and find a bunch of lovely illustrators from home sat at a cafe, or to be hugged by someone I’d not seen for 10 years while queuing for the loo... I must remember that was unique to the circumstances, as we were all there for the fair, but it made the whole experience even better. I’ve never had such feeling of just being in exactly the right place before.
Oh my days the food!
THE food! I ate well. Bologna is a foodie city.
I fell in love with the cafe culture - cappuccino and a bombolino at Regina di Quadri, tortellini on the terrace at Bottega Portici overlooking the two towers. I wanted to try everything, it was fresh, so tasty, I was in my element. Even the supermarkets were a dream.
I’ve been trying to recreate the eating since coming back to Oxford, I occasionally get close, but not quite.
So, it left a lasting impression on me
I have a lot more to process from my trip yet. There was an excellent Beatrice Alemagna exhibition - which probably deserves its own blog post. I have a ton of photos and books and publishers catalogues to still peruse - every time I start my mind gets all fizzy and impatient with new ideas to draw.
I’m not sure I have a conclusion for this post, other than to say I went to Bologna to get inspired and I achieved that and then some.
Ahhh brilliant, what a lovely read and reminder of it all. Wish we were sat on a terrace talking about it over tortellini and tiramisu!