It is with very mixed feelings, and for a variety of reasons, that we are announcing the closure of the Clutag Press and so the cessation of its most successful venture, Archipelago, as from 30 June 2026. Up until then it will be possible to order any publications listed as in print on the website (www.clutagpress.com). We are also going to answer the many enquiries we have had by making available in PDF form, down to 30 June, the entire series of Archipelago (barring the most recent issue) to individual and institutional purchasers. (Please email info@clutagpress.com for further information.)
The legendary ‘Skipper’ has already disappeared into a Witness Protection Programme and not even we know where he is or how to contact him. Andrew McNeillie will follow his example in August, around his 80 th birthday, on the
inglorious twelfth.
Heartfelt thanks go especially to James Macdonald Lockhart for his support and brilliant essays along the way. More recently too, Chris McGonigle of Portstewart has made a vital difference to our operations. Then greatest gratitude to all who’ve contributed to Archipelago and our various poetry series down the years. Above all we thank Joseph Hassett, Adi Hazan, and Liam Keaveney for their generosity. Yet, no less, we thank our most loyal band of customers, whose online and occasional in-person company we’ll miss hugely.
Special thanks must go to Bodley’s Librarian, Richard Ovenden, and to his colleague Chris Fletcher. The Bodley’s support for our 25th anniversary celebration in the Weston Library was a crowning glory enjoyed by a great crowd drawn from our community of archipelagians. We are similarly grateful to Antony Farrell of the Lilliput Press, Dublin, and to Nicholas Allen and Fiona Stafford for the Archipelago Reader and similarly to John Brannigan of UCD for vital material and intellectual encouragement, most notably in hosting the celebrated Archipelago event, 8 May 2024, at MoLI (Museum of Literature Ireland) in Dublin.
Last but not least we thank Marsha Swan of IOTA Books and Mark Willis of KMS Litho for their unstinting dedication to our cause and to maintaining the highest productions standards.
Now, with good wishes to one and all – gyda cofion cynnes, le go leor buíochas – from all involved in running the Clutag Press these past twenty-five years and a little more.