New Photographic Book by Chrissie Westgate Celebrates and Preserves the Island's Unique Spirit
Acclaimed photographer and visual storyteller Chrissie Westgate is delighted to announce the release of 'Windsong', a profoundly personal companion to her much-loved debut, 'Whispering Shores'. Available in shops and online at chrissiewestgate.com from late October, 'Windsong' is more than a book; it is a tribute to the quiet beauty and enduring character of Mersea Island.
Through Chrissie's lens, readers are invited to wander windswept and frosty paths, linger on deserted beaches, and bask in the lyrical light that dances across the island's shorelines. Each image is a gentle reminder of Mersea's uniqueness, its rhythms and textures, and her dialogue tells of a place that deserves to be cherished and preserved.
"I've always believed that the island has a soul and it resides in the quiet moments and the stillness," says Chrissie. "The stories etched into weathered wood and precious old boats, the way the tide leaves its mark, the hush before the storms, and the rustle of the wind through the reeds, 'Windsong' is what I found when I listened to that silence."
A longtime Mersea resident, Chrissie has walked many miles of the island's paths with her camera in hand, waiting for moments that speak not loudly, but lyrically. Her work invites both locals and visitors to see Mersea anew, to understand and value its subtle magic. Every page reminds us to reflect on the importance of preservation, conservation and protecting the island's charm in an ever-changing world.
With the festive season approaching, Windsong offers a meaningful gift for those seeking something rooted and reflective. Beautifully made, it is a piece of Mersea to hold and share, a celebration of place, memory, and the quiet power of preservation.
Windsong will be available from late October in local shops and online at chrissiewestgate.com.
