New southeast London publishing company Agnes Kirk published their first book this
Spring. The collection by Kidbrooke writer Kate Ling is titled Balcony and has already sold out of the first run.
The packed launch in the crypt of St Margaret’s in Lee attracted literary names including Poetry School founder Mimi Khalvati. The imprint is run as a collective by artist and Blackheath resident Joanna Kirk and writer Emma Warren, who lives in Lee Green.
“The point of Agnes Kirk is to celebrate nuanced representations of women,” say the founders. “Kate Ling’s poetry takes the ordinary stuff of everyday family life and makes it universal. She’s a brilliant talent and we’re proud to be sharing her work.”
Next up is a writing group aimed at nurturing and publishing undiscovered talent as well as a soon-to-be-announced artist collaboration and a second collection from Ling due out at the end of the year.
“We started Agnes Kirk to publish Kate’s poetry but also to see what DIY culture looks like in the hands of middle-aged women. It’s easier than you think to do things yourself and we want to send a message to the many creative people in our area that it’s possible to get your ideas or your work out into the world.”
Stockists: Blackheath Bookshop, Blackheath Village; One Two Five, Lee Terrace; or online at
agneskirkpublishing.wordpress.com
This article appeared in the Summer 2018 issue of Black + Green Magazine