Only just published in April I’m pleased to report that 115 copies of this book were sold within the first two weeks. A reprint was required in May !
Examples of three pages above.
Review in Fife Today, 13th April 2026.
Retired headteacher’s new book celebrates Fife town and its strong artistic links. The new book celebrates a north-east Fife village and its artists.
‘Ceres: Portrait of A Village’ is the work of Graham Bennison who stayed there for 20 years and retains strong links through his own artwork.
Many artists visited and worked in Ceres during the early 20th century including two of the four Scottish Colourists, George Leslie Hunter and Samuel J Peploe.
Retired headteacher Mr Bennison, who now stays in Foodieash, first moved to Ceres in 1987 when a lifetime background in art encouraged him to learn more about the village. In 1997 following 33 years in education, he found time to paint and study Scottish art. A blog ‘Some of the Artists who Visited Ceres’ published in 2020 led to several locals suggesting that a book could be a good idea.
Mr Bennison initially resisted, but now coming into his 80th year, he relented and in 2025 intensified his efforts into more research efforts. The result is a detailed study of the ‘Ceres artists’ pitched alongside Bennison’s reminiscences of his family life in the village. The book, printed by the University of St Andrews Print and Design team, is awash with pictures of the village and artwork.
Published by Jenny Rooney, the design of the 51 pages is an artwork in its own right. Rooney resides in Great Bardfield, Essex: a village that was an art haven and the home of Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilious, John Aldridge and many eminent 20th century artists.
The book printed in a booklet format (£10) can be purchased by emailing bennyelmwood@yahoo.co.uk Postage £3.60.
Linocut: Pilgrim’s Way, Ceres by Graham Bennison.
Artistic Horizons 