arts + lit
Exeter’s Must See Spots Arts + Lit writers explore their favourite spots for creative Freshers
The Exeter Pheonix
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UCKED away just at the end of Gandy Street, and next to the back entrance of the RAMM (Exeter’s biggest museum), lies the Exeter Phoenix. The imposing building is contradictory to the warm welcome you will receive when you step inside. The Phoenix hosts all types of culture, from their permanent art gallery with ever-changing exhibits, to their solar-powered cinema, not to mention the workshops, comedy gigs and wide range of music events. The Exeter Pheonix offers any type of culture, even if that’s just a pint with friends or a new study space in their café-bar. Personally, I would recommend checking out a screening at Studio74, if only to see a film you’d never watch at home (or tick ‘watch an independent film’ off of your bucket list). Student tickets are only £5, which is a steal. If that wasn’t enough, the Phoenix also offers a wide range of opportunities aimed at young people wanting to get involved with local culture, so its worth following them on Twitter or Facebook to see how you can get involved as they really value young people’s contributions. They also support local artists with creative commissions, and allow people to get into filmmaking, so you are sure to see something you’ve never seen before at the Phoenix, or maybe even catch that new band before they get popular. A cultural hotspot for the city, if you want to experience something fresh in a welcoming atmosphere, the Phoenix is the place to go. By Joseph Leyland
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Bookbag
The Glorious Art House
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AVING only opened in summer last HE Glorious Art House is a delightful cofyear, Bookbag is one of the freshest fee shop located on Fore Street which spots in Exeter for bookish people. serves delicious cakes and delectable Despite being new on the scene, it’s built coffee. As well as a high standard of coffee a dedicated customer-base, with myself and cake, which is an essential for studying in included. With a wide range of books in my opinion, you are surrounded by the shop’s store, including a brilliant politics collection bright exterior featuring local artists’ work. and wonderful books by local authors, it’s Creative and vibrant, it was set up by moththe perfect spot to pick up books for your er and son Rosy and Derry Tydeman in 2014. A course reading list or for your TBR pile. The textile artist for many years, Rosy had a love of staff are friendly and helpful and can order colour and pattern, whereas son Derry was an any book in for you quickly! One of my faexperienced barista; together they fused their vourite things about Bookbag is passions to create the Glorious Art House. The its location, in amongst shop is inspired by the colours and patterns plant-based café of Mexico, a haven from the grey BritSacred Grounds ish weather. Because of its creative and the vintage atmosphere, the café has become shops in Mca favourite spot for writers, musiCoy’s Arcade. cians, artists and students to get I often enjoy together for conversation. picking up The food and drink is also a book from amazing. They serve Brazier cofBookbag and fee, roasted in Somerset, and then reading Exmoor tea. Breakfast consists of it while sipping freshly baked pastries and bread, on a superfood as well as an array of cakes produced smoothie. It’s also by Peck and Strong in local town CrediImage: Glorious Art House Facebook close to the Quay if you ton. Occasionally the café stays open to fancy taking your new purchasserve both soft and alcoholic beverages es on a walk! to accompany live music, poetry slams and art Bookbag’s carefully curated selection is parties. The latest art exhibition ran from the perfect for any mood you’re in – whether you’re in the market for some hard-hitting non-fiction, inspiring poetry, or guidebooks to all the wonderful nature spots in the surrounding area, Bookbag has it all. Enjoy music paired to particular books while you’re browsing and get some great recommendations from the friendly staff.
BOOKBAG’S CAREFULLY CURATED SELECTION IS PERFECT FOR ANY MOOD YOU’RE IN Supporting an independent bookshop, especially one as fabulous as Bookbag, always feels great – next time you’re hankering for a new read, try heading down and seeing what they’ve got in store. You won’t be disappointed!
Image: www.thegloriousarthouse.com
4th July – 1st August and was named ‘Inside, Outside’ where local artists explored the theme in a variety of ways. I thoroughly recommend for great coffee but also a creative atmosphere!
By Caitlin Barr By Ella Minty, Arts and Lit editor Image: Visit Exeter
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Bookcycle
would definitely recommend Book Cycle to anybody who is in an avid reader; it can be found at 7 West Street, EX1 1BB. It is a picturesque Tudor-style building which is piled high with books; the historical architecture really adds to its character. Book Cycle is a charity shop, so therefore its completely ran by volunteers and all the books are second-hand. You can choose to take up to three books at any one time and then you pay what you like; your donation goes towards giving books to local school children and planting trees. There is an upstairs to Book Cycle, where I have been lucky to find some critical theory texts, so this is particularly useful for essay writing, and the downstairs has a wide array of fiction, ranging from the classics, poetry, children’s literature and more contemporary novels. There really is something for everybody and if, like me, you enjoy collecting pretty or vintage editions of your favourite texts, Book Cycle is definitely the place to go.
BOOK CYCLE IS THE PLACE TO GO
Image: BookCycle
Being in a book shop – I am sure many of you will agree – brings a sense of calm. I could spend ages admiring the different books they have and mulling over which ones to choose! Its worth visiting regularly as they are always receiving new books, so you never know what you might find. Happy book shopping! By Jessica Holifield
OTHER CULTURAL HOTSPOTS IN EXETER INCLUDE THE RAMM AND THE ROYAL ALBERT MUSEUM