The Rialto (poetry magazine)
Encyclopedia
The Rialto is an independent poetry magazine funded by Arts Council England, published three times a year. It was first published in April 1984 in Norwich
, Norfolk
. The name was a result of a friend enquiring on "what news on the Rialto?" referring to progress with the publication and is a reference to William Shakespeare
's The Merchant of Venice
.
, George Barker
, Gavin Ewart
and Miroslav Holub
, and four poems by Carol Ann Duffy
now Poet Laureate
.
In 1996 The Rialto made its first foray into book publishing, producing a limited run of "How it turned out" by Frank Redpath. Shortly after this John Wakeman left the magazine and moved to Cork in Ireland, where he started his poetry magazine The Shop
. Michael Mackmin continues to be editor of the magazine, and has also presided over the publication of 16 more books and "Bridge Collections"; a series of pamphlets intended as a step towards a first collection, more of both are planned.
Along with Michael Mackmin, The Rialto employs 3 other staff: Nathan Hamilton and Helen Mitchell, are responsible for marketing and development, and Nick Stone, who has been responsible for the magazine's artwork since 1989, and the design and brand since 1995 is the art director. Dean Parkin was also involved in the marketing until 2008, he still writes a "Rumours" section for each issue.
Cover art has included the likes of Barbara Hepworth
, Patrick Sutherland, Paula Rego
, Angie Lewin
and Eric Ravilious
, as well as many pieces by new print-makers, artists and photographers.
Popular percussionist and dancer Mark "Bez" Berry is alleged to have first found fame with poems published in The Rialto, prior to the formation of his band Happy Mondays
.
Norwich
Norwich is a city in England. It is the regional administrative centre and county town of Norfolk. During the 11th century, Norwich was the largest city in England after London, and one of the most important places in the kingdom...
, Norfolk
Norfolk
Norfolk is a low-lying county in the East of England. It has borders with Lincolnshire to the west, Cambridgeshire to the west and southwest and Suffolk to the south. Its northern and eastern boundaries are the North Sea coast and to the north-west the county is bordered by The Wash. The county...
. The name was a result of a friend enquiring on "what news on the Rialto?" referring to progress with the publication and is a reference to William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon"...
's The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice is a tragic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. Though classified as a comedy in the First Folio and sharing certain aspects with Shakespeare's other romantic comedies, the play is perhaps most remembered for its dramatic...
.
Background
Michael Mackmin, John Wakeman and Jenny Roberts were the co-founders of the magazine, however Jenny Roberts left shortly after the seventh issue was produced. The initial print run was financed by an anonymous private source. The first edition included poetry by Margaret AtwoodMargaret Atwood
Margaret Eleanor Atwood, is a Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, essayist, and environmental activist. She is among the most-honoured authors of fiction in recent history; she is a winner of the Arthur C...
, George Barker
George Barker (poet)
George Granville Barker was an English poet and author.-Life and work:Barker was born in Loughton, near Epping Forest in Essex, England, elder brother of Kit Barker [painter] George Barker was raised by his Irish mother and English father in Battersea, London. He was educated at an L.C.C. school...
, Gavin Ewart
Gavin Ewart
Gavin Buchanan Ewart was a British poet best known for contributing to Geoffrey Grigson's New Verse at the age of seventeen.-Life:...
and Miroslav Holub
Miroslav Holub
Miroslav Holub was a Czech poet and immunologist.Miroslav Holub's work was heavily influenced by his experiences as an Immunologist, writing many poems using his scientific knowledge to poetic effect. His work is almost always unrhymed, so lends itself easily to translation...
, and four poems by Carol Ann Duffy
Carol Ann Duffy
Carol Ann Duffy, CBE, FRSL is a Scottish poet and playwright. She is Professor of Contemporary Poetry at the Manchester Metropolitan University, and was appointed Britain's poet laureate in May 2009...
now Poet Laureate
Poet Laureate
A poet laureate is a poet officially appointed by a government and is often expected to compose poems for state occasions and other government events...
.
In 1996 The Rialto made its first foray into book publishing, producing a limited run of "How it turned out" by Frank Redpath. Shortly after this John Wakeman left the magazine and moved to Cork in Ireland, where he started his poetry magazine The Shop
The Shop
This article is about the reality show. For the fictional government agency, see The Shop .The Shop is a reality show on MTV about a barbershop located in the heart of Jamaica, Queens. The shop is owned by music producer Cory Rooney, who has produced for some of the big names out there like hits...
. Michael Mackmin continues to be editor of the magazine, and has also presided over the publication of 16 more books and "Bridge Collections"; a series of pamphlets intended as a step towards a first collection, more of both are planned.
Along with Michael Mackmin, The Rialto employs 3 other staff: Nathan Hamilton and Helen Mitchell, are responsible for marketing and development, and Nick Stone, who has been responsible for the magazine's artwork since 1989, and the design and brand since 1995 is the art director. Dean Parkin was also involved in the marketing until 2008, he still writes a "Rumours" section for each issue.
Cover art has included the likes of Barbara Hepworth
Barbara Hepworth
Dame Barbara Hepworth DBE was an English sculptor. Her work exemplifies Modernism, and with such contemporaries as Ivon Hitchens, Henry Moore, Ben Nicholson, Naum Gabo she helped to develop modern art in Britain.-Life and work:Jocelyn Barbara Hepworth was born on 10 January 1903 in Wakefield,...
, Patrick Sutherland, Paula Rego
Paula Rego
Paula Rego is a painter born in Portugal although she is a naturalised British citizen.-Biography:Rego was born in the Portuguese capital Lisbon, the daughter of an electrical engineer who worked for the Marconi Company. Although this gave her a comfortable middle class home, the family was...
, Angie Lewin
Angie Lewin
Angie Lewin is a British printmaker working in linocut, wood engraving, lithography and screen printing.-Early Career:She studied BA Fine Art Printmaking at Central St...
and Eric Ravilious
Eric Ravilious
Eric William Ravilious was an English painter, designer, book illustrator and wood engraver.-Career:Ravilious studied at Eastbourne School of Art, and at the Royal College of Art, where he studied under Paul Nash and became close friends with Edward Bawden.He began his working life as a muralist,...
, as well as many pieces by new print-makers, artists and photographers.
Popular percussionist and dancer Mark "Bez" Berry is alleged to have first found fame with poems published in The Rialto, prior to the formation of his band Happy Mondays
Happy Mondays
Happy Mondays are an English alternative rock band from Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1980, the band's original line-up was Shaun Ryder on lead vocals, his brother Paul Ryder on bass, lead guitarist Mark Day, keyboardist Paul Davis, and drummer Gary Whelan...
.
Pamphlets
- The Hitcher - Hannah Lowe (2011)
- The Night is Young - Peter SansomPeter Sansom-Biography:Sansom was born in 1958 in Nottinghamshire. For ten years Peter taught the MA Poetry at Huddersfield University before becoming a Fellow in Creative Writing at Leeds University. He is currently Company Poet with Prudential...
(2009) - Developing the Negative - Emily Wills (2008)
- The Magnolia - Richard LambertRichard LambertSir Richard Peter Lambert is the former Director-General of the CBI, and the present Chancellor of the University of Warwick.-Education:...
(2008) - Billack’s Bones - Joanna Guthrie (2007)
- Night Lightning - Julia Casterton (2007)
- Outswimming the Eruption - Allan Crosbie (2006)
- Bye for Now - Lorraine Mariner (2005)
- The Prize - John SiddiqueJohn Siddique-Personal life:Siddique was born to an Indian Muslim father and an Irish Catholic mother, He has said in interviews that he regards his true countries of birth to be 'literature and language.' The family struggled with poverty from which the young Siddique sought refuge in the world of books...
(2005) - The Doves of Finisterre - Julia Casterton (2003, out of print)
- Starlight on Water - Helena Nelson (2003)
- 2nd - Andrew WaterhouseAndrew WaterhouseAndrew Waterhouse was a British poet, and musician.-Life:He grew up in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. He studied at Newcastle University, and Wye College, taking an MSc. in environmental science...
(2002) - Scarberry Hill - Josephine DickinsonJosephine DickinsonJosephine Dickinson is an English poet. Born in London, England, she became profoundly deaf at the age of six. She resides in a remote area of the Pennines, and raises a small flock of sheep along with writing poetry....
(2001) - Diverting the Sea - Emily Wills (2000)
- in - Andrew WaterhouseAndrew WaterhouseAndrew Waterhouse was a British poet, and musician.-Life:He grew up in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. He studied at Newcastle University, and Wye College, taking an MSc. in environmental science...
(2000) - How it turned out - Frank Redpath (1996)