Well Books is an artist-led publishing imprint and creative studio in service of the poetically inclined bookworks and wordsmiths, based in Kingston upon Thames.

  • Founded by writer and book artist Joshua Hester, the press began as a personal practice of uniting poetry, design, and craft through the intimate act of hand-binding books. It has since grown into a space for others to explore and share their own creative voices.

    The press is rooted in the belief that a book is more than a container—it is a vessel for self-expression, a site of connection, and a living artwork in itself. Drawing from poetry, spoken word, and book arts, Well Books publishes works that honour the depth of personal experience while creating space for wider community resonance.

    What makes Well Books unique is its emphasis on rhythm, reflection, and care. Each publication is developed with attention to the process as much as the outcome, offering writers and artists a chance to explore how their words take form in print. The books range from bespoke one-of-one editions to small-run publications, each crafted with an eye toward intimacy and meaning rather than mass production.

    Beyond publishing, Well Books curates community events such as Well Books Fair, Spoken Word Jazz Nights, and collaborative pop-ups. These gatherings extend the life of the book into performance and conversation, embodying the press’s mission: to create spaces where words, art, and people meet.

    At its heart, Well Books is both a mirror and a meeting place—helping individuals surface the unseen within themselves, and building a collective well where creativity can be shared, celebrated, and sustained.