How Soon Was Now: MASA 25, 2008

Published on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Manchester Artists Studio Association  

“More than seventy artists have been members of MASA since its inception in 1982. This book celebrates much that has been envisaged, lived, and accomplished between 1982 and 2008. We have gathered a wealth of archive material. Not all has been included in this book, but we hope that what has gives air to the eclectic personalities that have shaped and driven MASA, as well as accentuating creative achievements – both individually and collectively.

We would like to thank all artists who have contributed text and images to the book and convey the pleasure we have had delving into the diverse and rich history that constitutes MASA. We would particularly like to thank the following for their invaluable contributions: Liam Spencer, for his succinct account of the impact of MASA and other studio groups. Rick Copsey, whose reflections and observations evoke what it was like to be an artist in the ’90s. Linda Weir, for her personal insights into how MASA was originally formed. Mike Butler, for his essay charting the significant role of MASA’s fanzine: The Granby Row Review.”

John Rimmer and Rebecca Sitar, 2008