photo credit Mark Cornwell (Malthouse Photography)
'The Dorset Baker' by Paul Merry is available from the 27th June 2025. Paul is one of the founders of the artisan baking revival in the UK. Beautifully illustrated with sumptuous photographs by local photographer Mark Cornwell and illustrations by Sean Slater, the book distills Paul’s experience as a baker and teacher of the craft. Based at Cann Mills in Shaftesbury, where flour has been milled since before the Doomsday book in 1086, Paul’s work is rooted in the landscape and history of Dorset. In collaboration with Michael Stoate of Cann Mills, Paul created a bakery where he has been baking and teaching for twenty years. Paul has run Panary courses for dough enthusiasts covering everything from basic bread making and using a wood fired oven to French baking with sourdough, and pizza and Italian baking.’
'The Dorset Baker' evolved partly in response to endless student requests on Paul’s popular baking courses and partly from his own passion for his craft, he wants to inspire the next generation. Arriving in the UK in the 1970s as a young Australian he became part of the movement which over the next forty years transformed the bread we eat. He has lived and worked in Dorset for twenty years.
Paul’s book contains plenty recipes and lots of advice on the technical aspects of using flour and making bread, it also looks at the history of bread making and how bakers themselves are shaped by their relationship with the social and geographical environment in which they ply their craft.
The book will be available following the launch on the 27th June. To order a copy please use the PayPal button below.
the cost is £25 plus £6 postage and packing. This price is for the UK only. If you are outside the UK please email us to discuss shipping info@riversmeetproductions.co.uk