International bestselling author and Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams paid a visit to Cornwall's Fowey Hall Hotel this weekend to officially open its impressive library.

Thought to be the largest children's library in any hotel in the UK, it is home to more than 800 books appealing to children of all ages as well as a selection of great reads for adults.  It also houses a collection of vintage photography and prints that tell the story of the hotel and its literary links.

A small group of local children joined David Walliams for the official opening along with Simon Maguire, MD of Luxury Family Hotels, and Kate Longman of Fowey's independent bookshop Shrew Books (formerly Bookends of Fowey) who works with Fowey Hall to curate the selection of books so that they appeal to guests of all ages when they stay at the luxury family hotel. (Social distancing guidelines adhered to at all times)  

David Walliams said:  “In a world of deadlines and constant interruptions, many families are juggling work, personal commitments and their lives are currently restricted due to the pandemic.  A library, however big or small, can often be the perfect place to retreat and enjoy a book without distraction. 

“It's a real pleasure to visit Fowey Hall and open its wonderful library.  I'm honoured to declare it open for literary indulgence!”

Simon Maguire, Managing Director, Luxury Family Hotels, added: “One of the most relaxing things about getting away, whether it's to the beach or a long weekend out of town, is that you get the chance to pick up a book.  As part of our major refurbishment, we wanted Fowey Hall to offer a luxury stay with relaxation guaranteed and our library has been carefully designed to do just that, enabling our guests – whatever their age - to while away the hours, sink into the sofas and comfy chairs with a good book.”

Fowey: inspiring authors old and new

The pretty sailing town of Fowey on the south Cornish coast has provided inspiration and a home to many authors including Daphne du Maurier and  Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows.

Grahame first came to Fowey in 1899, staying at the Fowey Hotel while convalescing from pneumonia. Here he became friends with Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch (Q), who introduced him to life in Fowey, he also married Elspeth Thompson in St Fimbarrus Church in Fowey in the same year. Although the marriage was a somewhat unhappy one, Grahame often sought refuge in Fowey spending much time with Q and on the river. It was during these visits that he wrote to Alastair, his only son (affectionally known as Mouse) with his tales of the riverbank.  These letters and other bedtime stories were to make up The Wind in the Willows.

Cornwall's Got (Cake) Talent

To celebrate the official opening of the library, instead of a normal ribbon cutting ceremony, Fowey Hall Hotel commissioned Penzance-based award-winning cake makers Peboryon – stars of Channel 4's Extreme Cake Makers - to create an innovative hand-painted pop-up book cake fit for the occasion (hi res pictures available in link below).  With the famous Fowey Hall in the background, the seasonally inspired blackberry and apple cake features Ratty and Mole playing on the river, with Mr Toad reading David Walliams latest novel, The World's Worst Parents.

Fowey Hall Hotel

Following its multi-million-pound refurbishment, Fowey Hall Hotel officially re-opened its doors to guests in July, offering an ultra stylish and luxurious place to stay in one of the most desirable areas in south Cornwall. The 36-bedroom hotel boasts sweeping sea views and vistas over the estuary and picturesque Fowey harbour. 

Throughout the major refurbishment, the hotel's interior design team worked with renowned local artists and the best craftsmen in their fields in order to create a range of bespoke interiors from wallpapers and stylish furniture to interesting guest room details which celebrates the best of craftsmanship in both Cornwall and also in Britain. 

The family hotel includes an OFSTED registered crèche, children's outdoor playground which gives a playful nod to The Wind in the Willows, a luxury cinema room, retro games room, morning room, bar and restaurant as well as an indoor swimming pool and spa. 

For bookings, please telephone +44 (0) 208 0765555 or visit luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk.

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About David Walliams

In 2008 David published his first children's book 'The Boy in the Dress', illustrated by Sir Quentin Blake. It has since sold over one million copies. Fourteen novels and eight pictures book have followed since 'The Boy in the Dress', many of which have been staged or televised, such as 'Mr Stink', 'Gangsta Granny' and 'Grandpa's Great Escape'. So far his books have been translated into 53 languages and have sold over 37 million copies worldwide. David is currently the UK's biggest selling author.   

HI RES PICTURES: https://app.box.com/s/qth3mlreo05zq5qb73jg9xl8q1o6ubwb

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Maria Boyle                                          

MB Communications Ltd                      

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