THE day before the last General Election in 2017, Stroud artist Andrew Wood cut out four letters - V O T E - and installed them, in the style of the HOLLYWOOD sign, in the centre of town.

Andrew, who founded the Prema Arts Centre in Uley, said he had been inspired by Keith Allen’s political graffiti on the now closed Marshall Rooms.

“I worked through the night and only managed to get it done at around midday on election day,” said Andrew.

“But I was so intent on finishing it that I forgot to vote myself, winning me the ‘Hypocrite of the Year’ award.”

Thus began Andrew’s project, the Word, which has seen him constructing a new sign every two to three weeks, using 15 mm plywood that faces drivers heading into town on London Road.

The words have gone on to become an every day feature of life in Stroud. Now Andrew has released a book, bringing together all 40 words to date, captured in glossy colour photographs by Guy de Lotz, along with all the stories behind them.

An evening to celebrate the book launch of the WORD, with conversations from Andrew, plus Charles Landry and other invited speakers is taking place at SVA on John Street on Sunday, December 15 at 7pm.

Copies of the book will be on sale, with the opportunity to get them signed by Andrew.

The WORD is also now available at Stroud Bookshop.