Clod Magazine & Books
Clod was founded by and continues to be the work of Tim Fitzayré, J.Hackson, Elliot Smoke and A.Weizen who all write under dozens of pseudonyms. Luton-based, the four are also in The Knockouts – ‘South Bedfordshire’s premier instrumental garage punk band’.
Clod’s debut issue was photocopied on the ‘work’s’ copiers in 1987. Copying opportunities were tight and only four were made. Everyone seemed to be doing a fanzine and there was a big distribution network based around gigs. Not being particular ‘fans’ of anything, the Clod writers opted for the label ‘magazine’ instead.
Clod magazine is described as ‘a worldly magazine that is at the same time backwardly provincial, irresponsibly satirical, and absolvingly fictional.’ The vitrines showcase original copies of the early editions, templates of recent issues and scrap book pages.
Featured objects include the ‘Frond of Low Quality’ rubber stamp which is used on every copy and was originally bought for 2p in a Clacton junk shop. There’s also a carved pigeon – a 1950s woodwork project from a Luton school, which functions as trophy for ‘Best Magazine of the Year’, an award the Clod creators honour themselves with each year.
Clod moved into book production in 2007. The display includes Lager in Luton, Fold magazines, Luton Haiku, the Manifesto In significance, On the Rails (travelogue), Brexit Apologist flash cards and It’s a Long way to Luton Station photo-book. The compendium Clod Magazine issues 1-21 will be released at the fair.
The Small Publishers Fair 2024 exhibition is organised by Clod Magazine and Books.
Clod Magazine and Books are available to buy at their table on stage at Small Publishers Fair 2024 and at specialist book shops including Bookartbookshop in Shoreditch, Printed Matter in New York and Boekie Woekie in Amsterdam. You can also buy online from clodmagazine.wixsite.com/ourspace
