Creative Writing Group

Use this page to view a number of examples of work produced by members of our Creative Writing Group in response to the SNOWDON: Iconic Images exhibition. To see examples of other works produced by the group visit our general Creative Writing Group page.

Common Senses

Catherine Bramwell Booth

Portrait chosen is of Catherine Bramwell Booth b.20 July 1883 d.3 October 1987. Seen: A staid room with drum and possible bust of her grandfather William Booth with Catherine sitting by a brightly lit window with the Salvation Army flag behind her. Heard: I could imagine the band playing at Christmas in a village square. Smell: Mustiness of the room itself. Touch: To be able to feel the coolness and smoothness of the iconic bust. Taste: The air probably tasted of the mustiness accentuated by the essence of lavender.
Mike Moore
View portrait of Catherine Bramwell Booth

Doris Lessing

Resigned eyes like those of an aging Ukrainian laundry worker; hair like a bedraggled scourers glued to her scalp. Behind her, chimney pots in skittle formation, the rooftops of London, shrouded in fog: clammy, shivery, morose; deadens the traffic hum, the echoes of domestic altercations, the screeching of moggies, distant sirens.

Rough bricks, smooth tiles, fog droplets tickling the cheeks. The whiff of rotting vegetation wafts up from tiny dank backyards, mixing with cheap perfumes and Snowdon's powerfully masculine aftershave.
Mike Sadler
View portrait of Doris Lessing

Michael Andrews

Andrews is in his studio surrounded by the tools of his trade and he can see paints, palettes, brushes and an empty wine bottle leftover food on an empty teacup and he looks as though he is gazing through a window which is out of shot.

He can hear the sounds of an old house settling with its familiar creaking sounds and he can hear Lord Snowdon speaking to him.

His hands can feel the cloth of his trousers and the cigarette he is holding and he can smell paint, turps, smoke from his cigarette, stale food and old wine.

Perhaps as well as the taste of his cigarette he can still taste the wine or the tea, or perhaps the food.
Ann Elliott
View portrait of Michael Andrews

Centre of Attention

Sam Mendes

I don't know whether to sit, stand or sprawl myself across the steps. It is rather cold so luckily I brought my scarf with me. I hope this doesn't take long as I have work to do and a film to shoot.
Mike Moore
View portrait of Sam Mendes

Martin Amis

He's taking a picture of Kingsley Amis' son - I have my father genes - I have to make good on my own - be a unique self - original - hard work - destiny - I'm young - I need experience - but I have imagination as my father did before me - mixed with my mother's intuition I shall bake a story cake which will make them take notice of me - I will succeed.
Mike Sadler
View portrait of Martin Amis

Gary Lineker

As he is posing with his shoulders bare in a slightly affected position he is thinking that he is not so keen on doing this and he hopes that his friends and colleagues are not going to scoff and make fun of him. He also thinks that he would rather by far be out playing football than this. Oh, and he hopes his ears will not look too prominent.
Ann Elliott
View portrait of Gary Lineker

What Happened Next?

Jenny Agutter

What happened next was that a tramp came along to sit on her seat and Jenny being Jenny invited him to do so and spoke to him for some thirty minutes until her boyfriend eventually turned up.
Mike Moore
View portrait of Jenny Agutter

Maggie Smith

From their pose on her head, she stretches her hands up; reaching for the sky, then wheels her arms widely to their allotted sides, liberating her constricted chest. As if praying to the gods of relief and release she feels her mouth gape open till it fills her face, and lets out a gigantic and sonorous yawn.
Mike Sadler
View portrait of Maggie Smith

Queen Elizabeth with her first grandchild

What happened after the photograph was taken? The baby was handed back smartly to the hovering Nanny and refreshments ordered for herself, Lord Snowdon and the child's Mother. A little polite conversation and then Her Majesty excused herself to return to her private rooms.
Ann Elliott
View portrait of Queen Elizabeth

Look Who's Talking

Dame Edith Evans

"I hope that I don't have to stand like this for long as my bones can't take it. Are you sure the window shot is best Tony? Couldn't I just sit in a chair and look out of the window that way?"
Mike Moore
View portrait of Dame Edith Evans

The Queen

"You've gone to a lot of trouble, Tony, most impressive. Would you stay for a cup of tea? The butler's just made some."

"Very kind ma'am. Ooh Earl Grey, my favourite - and chocolate Hobnobs. I love those."

"So do I. And I always dunk them when Philip's not around. But you won't tell him, will you?"
Mike Sadler
View portrait of Queen Elizabeth

Germaine Greer

Myself: "Good morning Germaine, would you like to tell me how you are enjoying being in England and what made you leave Australia?"

Germaine: "I feel England needs a bit of stirring up. It's too old fashioned and women's lib has made very little impact so far."

Myself: "Yes, I can see how you might feel that way and yet I see that for your photo you have chosen to dress in a very feminine way and your pose is provocative, stretched out as you are on a bed with 'kinky' boots on. The latest fashion I notice and with handbags hanging up behind you."
Ann Elliott
View portrait of Germaine Greer