Connolly
Like all the best beginnings and creative stories; its a collaboration of talents, shared passion, opportunity and a single vision. And sometimes it comes out of nowhere.
Publisher Christopher Nurse writes, ‘It was a chance encounter at Goodwood just before the Covid pandemic that brought Jon Nicholson and me together. In the course of conversation, I discovered that Jon had long wanted to undertake a piece of photographic work which would provide an intimate perspective on the amphitheatre of racing; a timeless depiction not only of the cars, the drivers, the mechanics and the racing environment but also the spectators, capturing the intensity of focus and the raw emotion. Jon’s inspiration came from Jesse Alexander’s photographic book At Speed, which was first published in 1972.
I did not set out with the intention of becoming a book publisher. However, following meetings with the great and good of the publishing world it became clear that, to achieve my aspiration for the project that was to become Macchina, it was unlikely that it would be realised through the conventional publishing route.
That aspiration was borne out of a desire to support Jon to realise his ambition by bringing together a team that combined compelling storytelling – in Richard Williams, - instinctive and visionary editing – in Mark Holborn, - excellence in book design and execution – in Jesse Holborn and, of course, world class photography – in Jon.
Photographed by Jon Nicholson
'Macchina was over two and a half years in the making but it represents the culmination of my passion for Motorsport and my business Fyshe. And of products that are well designed and well crafted. A collaboration with like-minded people who share my passion and desire to do something excellent and photography which captures a moment and communicates an emotion.‘
Thus Macchina was engendered - the vision of Christopher Nurse of Fyshe, the fabled automotive apparel specialist, photographer Jon Nicholson, photographic art editor Mark Holborn and writer Richard Williams. Over two and a half years in the making, the book is being launched at Connolly on September 11th - and as both Chris and Mark are longtime friends of Connolly, we are very proud and excited me to celebrate their publication upstairs at Clifford Street.
This remarkable limited edition is of such beauty and breadth and intelligence that it defines the essence of the racing spirit and racing communities and passions across the world from drag racing to classic hill climbs to banger racing to Le Mans.
The book is beautifully produced and printed in Italy and bound in a yellow linen - Yellow also happens to be a favourite colour at Connolly. And in celebration of the cover of Macchina, we have ordered a limited number of our favourite knitted driving jackets and a special edition driving sweatshirt in the racing yellow - perfect for the racetrack as well as the road.
We have ten signed copies to sell on the night.
About Fyshe
Established in November 2000, Fyshe is a privately owned and funded business that designs and creates the finest quality automotive apparel and footwear. Their bespoke contemporary racewear solutions deliver high performance and put the clients’ needs, and their brands and sponsors, front and centre.
Fyshe bespoke classic racewear combines period design cues with the latest material technology. With an atelier in Italy and operations in the UK and Hong Kong Fyshe combines British ingenuity with Italian craft.
Fyshe is a disruptor who challenges category paradigms.
https://www.fyshe.com