Terra: The Sustainability Pavilion by Ben East

I was commissioned by Assouline Publishing through WST Content to write a book exploring and explaining Expo 2020 Dubai’s Sustainability Pavilion, Terra. A huge undertaking requiring extensive interviews and research, the book takes the reader on an inspiring and entertaining journey through the experience of the pavilion, investigates our individual relationships to sustainability and the environment, and in the words of Dr. Federica Busa, Senior Vice President, Visitor Experience, Expo 2020 Dubai, showcases the story and thinking behind the Expo and how connecting themes, storytelling and experiences have enriched its architecture.

We work exclusively with the best collaborators in the field to help us explore the subject. For us at Assouline, an in-depth familiarity with the subject is a must

Prosper Assouline

I also contributed essays to Expo 2020’s Site, Themes, Architecture book, also published by Assouline, An exploration of the Expo site, the title explores the iconic architecture and spaces, from the pavilions and programming to the public realm and beyond.

Al Wasl Plaza by Ben East

Another commission by Assouline Publishing through WST Content to tell the story and possibilities of Al Wasl Plaza, the beating heart of Expo 2020 Dubai. This impressive architectural achievement is designed for communal experiences, bringing together visitors from all over the world. The structure lends itself to many uses, including a place of shade, an urban park, a performance space and a host for celebrations, and the book explores its function as a place of human connection.

Expo 2020 Dubai: The Vision Pavilion by Ben East

The Vision Pavilion embodies the story of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, providing insights into his childhood, his love for nature and the influences that shaped him. It brings to life the valuable lessons he learned and his embrace of the passions and values of Emirati culture. Visitors make their way through various galleries, learning universal and valuable lessons about wisdom, passion and perseverance. The experience is a reflection of the vision for Dubai and its people—inspiring and limitless.

Cambridge Rules 1848 by Neville Gabie and Alan Ward

Writing, editing and proofreading

One hundred and sixty five years after a group of students from Cambridge University first nailed their rules of the game of football to a tree, Cambridge City Council agreed to undertake a public art commission to celebrate the ‘Cambridge Rules’ and acknowledge the important role that Parker’s Piece played in the birth of football not just in Cambridge, but nationally and internationally.

I edited and wrote the artist bookwork, which a scale model of the sculptural piece that sits on Parker’s Piece, Cambridge. It is a journey through Neville Gabie and Alan Ward’s commissioned work, to celebrate the birthplace of football as we know it at Parker’s Piece in Cambridge. The book explores the history of the first written rules, the development of the physical piece, the collaboration with Street Child United, and the cultural exchange with the international partners in Brazil, China, Egypt, India and Kenya. It also reproduces many varied submissions to the cambridgerules1848.com website from the project’s international audience.

Photographs from Another Place by Alan Ward

Proofreading

In 2014 Alan Ward purchased a substantial collection of ‘quarter plate’ glass negatives on a whim, from an eBay seller in Brighton, that had no provenance. With a few clues offered up in the images and the original boxes they came in, he pieced together the beginnings of a substantial lost family history, that seemed strangely to parallel his own.

Through a forensic research process and an almost voyeuristic obsession with the Gearing archive dating from 1914 through to the 50s, new photographic work evolved in response to the locations, subjects and objects in the images. Intrigued by the odd and easily overlooked elements and repeating motifs of the collection, Ward explored the forgotten and extraordinary distant voices and still lives of the archive.

I proofread the book, which includes includes a companion text ‘Gearing: a coincidence’ by renowned author George Szirtes, and an interview between Ward and archivist David Govier which explores the role of research in contemporary artistic practice.

Breaking Ground, edited by Neville Gabie, Alan Ward and Jason Wood

Proofreading

SHORT LISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF YEAR 2017

A unique collaboration of art, archaeology and the fans who participated and ultimately made it possible. What started with a world first – the archaeological excavation of a goalpost hole – ended with a trowel as an exhibit in the National Football Museum. In 2013, the Park Avenue football ground, a long-forgotten time capsule of Bradford’s social history, began to be unearthed by archaeologist Jason Wood and artist Neville Gabie.

That first tentative dig convinced them to grab the moment before the ground’s legacy was lost forever. Invigorated by the fans’ enthusiasm, with funding from Arts Council England and the National Football Museum, and with the blessing of Bradford Metropolitan Council, they returned in 2015 with an enlarged team of archaeologists and artists, once again to be embraced by the passionate Avenue fans with their contributions and insights. The book, which I proofread, uses art, archaeology and writing to celebrate the mythology of this once great club.

Completing the shortlist is Breaking Ground: Art, Archaeology and Mythology, which uncovers the ‘lost’ place of Bradford Park Avenue football club and, as a collection of essays, marks a first in form for the Award

William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2017 press release