Art & Photography Books

Book SynopsisJohn Finlay gained his doctorate in Fine Art from the Courtauld Institute in London, UK. A renowned expert on Picasso and modern art of all genres, he is the author of Picasso's World, Pop! The World of Pop Art and A Degree in a Book: Art History. He has taught and lectured around the world and now lives in Scotland.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book Synopsis A guide to finding, researching and using historical textiles in your stitched work, to bring layers of meaning and a rich sense of emotional connection through place and time. Renowned textile artist and tutor Hannah Lamb frequently uses and is inspired by old fabrics in her work, from age-worn cotton and linen sheets to delicate lace collars, vintage patchwork to snippets of colourful printed silk. In this book she explores many creative ways to incorporate historical textiles into your own work, from first conception and initial research to the finished piece. Chapters cover: Unfolding: how to track down historical textiles in shops, markets, antiques fairs, museum collections and online, or in your own family scrap bag, and how to conduct thorough and meaningful research into them. Connecting: how to design and plan your work with historical textiles, starting with mood boards and sketchbooks and progressing to practical creative experimentation, including old-fashioned techniques such as the prick and pounce' method of pattern transfer, popular in Tudor times. Making: the practicalities of using old and fragile materials in your work, and how to combine them with newer fabrics to make cohesive and beautiful pieces that tell powerful stories. This chapter also explores alternative ideas, such as digital printing, that allow you to import the fabric's essence but leave the original piece intact. Gathering: this chapter considers examples of contemporary artworks that respond to textile heritage and place, and studies how we tell histories and whose perspective we tell them from. This thoughtful, imaginative book is illustrated with inspirational examples of the author's own work and that of other textile artists from around the world, and provides a valuable introduction to working with historical textiles to enhance your own pieces of textile art.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive guide to all elements of the tenement structure, also advocating good maintenance practice. An accessible and informative handbook for all.

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Book Synopsis'I love this city, and always shall. I write about it. I dream about it. I walk its streets and see something new each day - traces of faded lettering on the stone, still legible, but just; some facade that I have walked past before and not noticed; an unregarded doorway with the names, in brass, of those who lived there sixty years ago, the bell-pulls sometimes still in place, as if one might summon long-departed residents from their slumbers.' Edinburgh is a city of stories - a place that has witnessed everything from great historical upheavals, to the individual lives of a remarkable cast of characters. Every spire, cobblestone, bridge, close and avenue has a tale to tell. In this sumptuous new book, Alexander McCall Smith curates his own, distinctive story of Edinburgh - combining his affectionate, incisive wit with a wealth of stunning imagery drawn from Scotland's national collection of architecture and archaeology. Through a series of photographs, maps, drawings and paintings - many never before published - he takes the reader on a unique tour. Just like the city's architecture, the book can move in an instant from sweeping views to secret, hidden vignettes. This is a story of famous landmarks and lost buildings; the people who made them; the people who lived in them. A Work of Beauty is an intimate portrait of a city by one of Scotland's greatest storytellers.Trade Review'Sandy McCall Smith amazes fellow scribblers with his freshness and sheer verve. Having lived in Edinburgh for 20 years, I loved A Work of Beauty, his beautifully written evocation of the most beautiful city in the world.' * The Scotsman Books of the Year 2014 *'Alexander McCall Smith has penned a love letter to Scotland’s capital … A Work of Beauty lays bare the changing face of Auld Reekie, capturing forever the eternal beauty of its historic skyline and the qualities that have earned it the title 'the Athens of the North'.' * The Sunday Post *

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Book SynopsisThe Academy celebrates the architect John Simpson's newly finished building for the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana: the Walsh Family Hall. The language of John Simpson's architecture, which derives from the fifth century BC, has been daringly applied to new uses and an instant landmark of exceptional interest has been created. Through a judicious combination of Classical richness and warehouse-like workspace the Walsh Family Hall provides a humane and joyous series of spaces, which elevates the spirits of those entering and passing through it. This book describes not only the architecture of the Walsh Family Hall but the process whereby it came into existence, with written contributions from the generous donors, Matt and Joyce Walsh; Dean Michael Lykoudis, who commissioned the building; and some of the students who work in these uplifting surroundings. Further educational works by John Simpson such as his new 'yard' for Eton College and major new improvements to the Royal College of Music in London are described, with an essay by Simpson describing his approach. All these works are presented and explored with full colour commissioned photography, drawn plans and original sketches throughout. John Simpson Architects believes that Classicism can enhance life in the twenty-first century by creating inspirational spaces that relate to the proportions of the human body - a view of architecture that is triumphantly demonstrated in the Academy that is the Walsh Family Hall.Table of ContentsPreface; The Walsh Family Hall - Introduction, Context, Competition Evolution; The Finished Building; The Student Experience; The Ecole des Beaux-Arts; The Architecture of Education - Eton College, Lady Margaret Hall, Gonville & Caius, Peterhouse, The Defence & National Rehabilitation Centre, The Royal College of Music; Acknowledgements; Credits; Colophon.

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Book SynopsisThe work of [STRANG] is beautifully explored in this comprehensive monograph which highlights the firm’s site-specific and climate-driven designs. The ability to create stunning architectural designs while maintaining an acute awareness of the surrounding environment has come to define their work. Under the creative direction of Max Strang FAIA, the Miami-based firm continues to advance many of the timeless concepts set forth by the famed Sarasota School of Architecture. Strang’s early exposure to that mid-century modernism movement resulted in a deep respect for structures that are intimately connected to their surroundings as they celebrate the Florida climate.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisFew jewellers are as widely known as Cartier, even fewer have instantly recognisable designs - many of which, such as the tank watch and trinity ring, have become iconic. Glamorous, witty, beautiful, and beloved of stars from Elizabeth Taylor to Grace Kelly, this book features over 150 dazzling Cartier items.

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Book SynopsisSimona Supekar is Assistant Professor of English at Pasadena City College in California, USA. Her writing has appeared in The Atlantic and the Los Angeles Review of Books.

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Book SynopsisFor fans of James O'Barr's graphic novel The Crow, The Crow (1994), The Crow: City of Angels (1996), The Crow: Salvation (2000), The Crow: Wicked Prayer (2005), and The Crow (2024) movie starring Bill Skarsgård.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Scott McCloud's brilliant treatise on the inner workings of cartoonists will delight amateur artists and curious fans alike." -- Salon "In this, McCloud's third nonfiction book about comics, he has produced his most significant achievement to date, and that's really saying something." -- Cory Doctorow "Only Scott McCloud could have organized his thoughts on comics like this. Scott's talent as a cartoonist not only makes him intimate to insights no outsider can see, but also gives him the power to show it to the world." -- Jeff Smith "Every aspect of comics creation is covered in this enlightening, accessible guide presented in a comic-strip format." -- Booklist (Editor's Choice) "A guide to creating comics that is as thoughtful and entertaining as the best-loved work in the field, both enjoyable and accessible to casual fans of the form and the new gold standard for artists who want to create their own comics, manga, and graphic novels. -- Bookslut "More than a how-to, the book goes beyond simple instruction, digging into the real dirt of creating comics." -- Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisWhat “really constitutes an architectural atmosphere”? Peter Zumthor says, is “this singular density and mood, this feeling of presence, well-being, harmony, beauty ... under whose spell I experience what I otherwise would not experience in precisely this way.” Zumthor’s passion is the creation of buildings that produce this kind of effect, but how can one actually set out to achieve it? In nine short, illustrated chapters framed as a process of self-observation, Peter Zumthor describes what he has on his mind as he sets about creating the atmosphere of his houses. Images of spaces and buildings that affect him are every bit as important as particular pieces of music or books that inspire him. From the composition and “presence”‎ of the materials to the handling of proportions and the effect of light, this poetics of architecture enables the reader to recapitulate what really matters in the process of house design.

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Book SynopsisIn Kawaii Doggies, the follow-up and perfect companion to Kawaii Kitties, popular Instagram artist Olive Yong teaches you, step by step, how to draw all your favorite breeds doing all sorts of silly and endearing things.Trade Review"Fun, inspiring, and thoroughly 'user friendly' for aspiring artists and illustrators in both organization and presentation, Kawaii Doggies is a perfect DIY instructional guide." * Midwest Book Review *Table of ContentsContents Introduction What is Kawaii? How to Use This Book Tools Drawing Your Doggies Facial Expression Directory Coloring Your Doggies Favorite Breeds Puppies Poses & Moods Daily Activities Dress-Up Bon(e) Appetit Portraits Doggy Coloring Pages Dog Breed Directory

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Book SynopsisInterior design guru Axel Vervoordt shares his latest inspirations for the home. Axel Vervoordt’s intense curiosity has fueled his work as an interior designer, spurring him to explore and draw inspiration from cultures around the globe. He was first exposed to Eastern art and philosophy years ago, but today it has become the guiding principle in his work, particularly the concept of Wabi. Developed in the twelfth century, Wabi advocates simplicity and humility, the rejection of all that is superfluous or artificial. Through extraordinary photographs from Japan and Korea to Belgium and Switzerland, Vervoordt invites us to explore the elements that inspire him: natural materials and time-worn objects that evoke the essence of Wabi. Today, together with the Japanese architect Tatsuro Miki, Vervoordt carries the principles of Wabi into his remarkable interiors. As Vervoordt reveals how he infuses his current creations with a fundamentally oriental approach, interiors devotees will gain new insight from this tribute to the designer’s latest sources of inspiration for the home.

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Book SynopsisThe perfect gift for anyone with a desire to see the Northern Lights. Discover the incomparable beauty of the Northern Lights with this accessible guide for aspiring astronomers and seasoned night sky observers. Covers the essential equipment needed for observation and photography and full of stunning photographs.Trade ReviewA wonderfully comprehensive and well-written guide about all facets of Northern Lights-hunting. You’ll find enjoyment from this excellent guide to a fabulous natural phenomenon.★★★★★Jamie Carter, BBC Sky at Night Magazine

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Book SynopsisThe 25 featured artists explain, in their own words, the creative processes behind their work, what inspires them, the strategies they use to stay fresh and creative, what distinguishes their work from that of other ceramic artists, and how they achieve this. Through examples of their most personal creations, -objects capable of affecting us emotionally, surprising us and making us think-, the artists reveal important details about their ceramic creations such as how it was made, how it was shaped and which glaze and engobe coating they used to give the clay color and texture. The reader is provided with an illuminating glimpse into each artist’s unique creative world, including the defining features of their work and some of the secrets that characterize their artistic processes. Paragons of exploration, risk and versatility, the extraordinary artists highlighted in this book rediscover thousand-year-old traditions, reinvent perspectives, transcend boundaries, tell stories and rebel from conventional expectations, creating in the process an exhilarating space where art, clay, water, air and fire meet and, ultimately, inspire. Some of the ceramists included are: BELGIUM: Ann VanHoey; CHINA: Wan Liya; NETHERLANDS: Cecil Kemperink; UK: Nicholas Lees; USA: Lauren Nauman, among others.

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Book SynopsisThe first comprehensive overview of the legendary house of Dior, from its founding in 1947 to today, published in collaboration with Dior to mark its 70th anniversary.Trade Review'An extraordinary collection [that] document[s] the house’s output over the past 70 years and through seven creative directors' - Vogue'A must-have for anyone who calls themselves a fashion fan' - LOVE magazine'Filled to the brim with beautiful clothes and even more beautiful women, it’s one to read when life is lacking glamour' - Daily Mail'Pure fashion pornography' - 10 Magazine'A fashion bible' - ES Magazine'Glorious' - Gloss'Spectacular' - Irish Sunday Independent'The infamous Catwalk book series, published by Thames & Hudson, are made up of the modern day fashion worshipper’s holy bibles ... The Catwalk books are extraordinary in mapping out fashion trajectories lost to the pre-digital age' - SHOWStudioTable of ContentsIntroduction: Looking To The New • 1947: S/S 1947: Haute Couture The ‘New Look (‘Corolle’ and ‘8’ Lines) • A/W 1947–1948: Haute Couture ‘The New Look Pushed to Extremes’: 1948 • S/S 1948: Haute Couture The ‘Zig-Zag’ & ‘Envol’ Lines • A/W 1948–1949: Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Ailée’ (Winged Line) • 1949: S/S 1949 Haute Couture The ‘Trompe L’œil’ Line • A/W 1949–1950: Haute Couture The ‘Milieu du Siècle’ (Mid-Century) Collection • 1950: S/S 1950 Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Verticale’ (Vertical Line) • A/W 1950–1951: Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Oblique’ (Oblique Line) • S/S 1951: Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Naturelle’ (Natural Line) • A/W 1951–1952: Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Longue’ (Long Line) • S/S 1952: Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Sinueuse’ (Sinuous Line) • A/W 1952–1953: Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Profilée’ (Profile Line) • S/S 1953: Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Tulipe’ (Tulip Line) • A/W 1953–1954: Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Vivante’ (Living Line) • 1954 S/S 1954 Haute Couture: The ‘Ligne Muguet’ (Lily of the Valley Line) • A/W 1954–1955: Haute Couture The ‘H’ Line • 1955 S/S 1955: Haute Couture The ‘A’ Line • A/W 1955–1956: Haute Couture The ‘Y’ Line • 1956 S/S 1956: Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Flèche’ (Arrow Line) • A/W 1956–1957: Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Aimant’ (Magnet Line) • 1957 S/S 1957 Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Libre’ (Free Line) • A/W 1957–1958: Haute Couture The ‘Ligne Fuseau’ (Spindle Line)

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Book SynopsisThe intimate relationship of Japanese tattooing with the dark world of the yakuza has helped cover this form of artistic expression with an aura of mystery. But the culture of irezumi is deep and rich in meanings, shapes and motifs that have gone from color woodblock prints to being applied to the skin to beautify and protect their bearers. This book reveals the meaning and the secrets behind the most significant motifs from traditional Japanese tattooing-such as mythological and supernatural creatures, animals, Buddhist deities, flowers and historical characters-and turns this art form into a path toward personal knowledge and individual expression. Readers will discover the origin and meaning of each visual representation of the most frequent themes in this art form. Irezumi itai begins with a brief review of the history of Japanese tattoo art and then examines each subject (water, mythological animals, real animals, mythological characters, historical characters, flowers, shunga and yokai) through images and descriptive texts; it also includes a gallery of original designs by the author and a glossary.

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Book SynopsisA sketchbook Tailor-made for Fashion Designers The sketchbook is combined with extensive fashion information and blended figure templates. It is the perfect tool for brainstorming, fast sketching and quick referencing. Tailor-made for fashion designers Bleed-proof paper for marker and watercolor Encourages quick sketching and brainstorming Mini fashion dictionary included Over 180 figure templates Water-resistant calico cover The Atelier Collection The fundamentals of The Atelier Collection portrays a "Less is More" concept hence the minimalistic touch. The sketchbook speaks for authenticity on an exquisite artistry level. It provokes an individual's creativity with no boundaries, which is demonstrated from the subtle sketchbook appearance. Organize your Ideas in a Presentable Way Every template is designed with the same size and pose, it allows your ideas and developments to be presented with an organized and well balanced spacing which is better for chronicle presentation. It provides a well organized surface for your designs to be viewed side to side. Water-resistant Calico Cover The cover is made from one of the most familiar fabrics for fashion designers- cotton calico. It also represents ideas, creation and development. The material forms a high durability water-resistant cover, exquisite quality intended to be used along your designing journey. Hence, the calico cover contains natural cottonseeds, giving every sketchbook that unique touch. Bleedproof Paper - A4 Size Only The A4 Sketchbook is made from 128gsm paper. It works beautifully with a range of tools such as markers, watercolor and color pencils. You can even manipulate colors to build effects – such as gradients, fabric textures, and lighting effects – to your desired saturation. Mini Fashion Dictionary + Figure Templates The sketchbook is divided into 2 parts to help kick-start the creative process: Part 1 - Mini Fashion Dictionary (15% pages) Part 2 - Womens Figure Templates (85% pages) Handy professional information Fashionary sketchbooks streamline fashion development by including a mini fashion dictionary. With professional fashion information where you can refer back instantly, in aid of providing industry terms and jargon to make decisions about stitching, fabric, and methods.

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Book SynopsisPresents 46 contemporary image-makers noted for their candid depictions of everyday life. This title includes essays and a global conversation between some of the leading street photographers that explore the controversial issues in the genre.Trade Review'Brings what many thought a tired genre bang up to date. Truly international,it will become the new defining guide to street photography' - Martin Parr'A must-have book for anyone remotely interested in the genre. In fact, it’s highly recommended for anyone remotely interested in photography' - Hot Shoe'It will make you want to slow down, look closely and take joy from the unexpected' - The World of Interiors'A fine survey of the modern street photography scene' - Stuff'Extraordinary: beautiful, dramatic or just plain comical' - Mail on Sunday'Successful street photographers recognise and capture the beauty of everyday life […] inspirational' - Digital CameraTable of ContentsEssay 1 ‘Stare, Pry, Listen, Eavesdrop’ • 12 photographer portfolios/biographies (Agou-Gilden) • Essay 2 ‘No Ideas But in Things’ • 12 photographer portfolios/biographies (Girard-Marlow) • Essay 3 ‘Half of the World’s Population Now Lives in Cities’ • 12 photographer portfolios biographies (Mermelstein–Savelev) • Essay 4 ‘Some Truths Cannot Be Told Except as Fiction • 10 photographer portfolios/biographies (Snoek-Zuborn) • Street Photography Now: A Global Conversation

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Book SynopsisThis volume combines six books by celebrated artist and lecturer George A. Bridgman, who taught figure and anatomy drawing at New York City's Art Students League. This fifth edition preserves Bridgman's comprehensive lessons and original sketches - featuring more than 1000 drawings and 22 expert lessons on mastering the human figure from every angle - but repackages it with a new cover that distinguishes it from the competition.Trade ReviewPraise for previous editions of Bridgman’s Complete Guide to Drawing from Life: “[A] classic. . . . a standard work at art schools. . . . indispensable.”—Library JournalPraise for previous editions of Bridgman’s Complete Guide to Drawing from Life: “[A] classic. . . . a standard work at art schools. . . . indispensable.”—Library Journal

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Book SynopsisWilliam Morris (1834–1896) was one of the greatest creative figures of the 19th century. As a visionary designer, as well as a manufacturer, writer, artist, and socialist activist, he pioneered the Arts and Crafts movement of the Victorian era, and left an extraordinary influence on architecture, textile, and interior design. This richly illustrated book offers a suitably beautiful introduction to Morris’s colorful life and all aspects of his design work, including interiors, tiles, embroidery, tapestries, carpets, and calligraphy. Though best known in his lifetime as a poet and author, it is these exquisite designs that secured Morris’s posthumous reputation. As page after page dazzles with their beautiful patterns and forms, we explore the pioneering craftsmanship and natural motifs that inspired them, as well as Morris’s remarkable cultural legacy, through British textiles, Bauhaus, and even modern environmentalism.

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Book SynopsisDraw a range of 50 beautiful botanical subjects, including flowers, plants and fruits, in just 10 simple steps each!

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Book SynopsisThe essential handbook for students, arts professionals and other aspiring writers on contemporary art.Trade Review'An illuminating, engaging and urgent guide to contemporary art-writing. Essential reading for arts students … invaluable for anyone involved in the art world' - Hans Ulrich Obrist, co-Director, Serpentine Gallery'Williams’s methodology is flawless ... gives insight to the inner workings of very different industries: academia, auction houses and mainstream and professional press' - frieze'Will become a standard text for anyone studying or interested in critical writing and the very vexed subject of “writing about art”' - Michael Bracewell, critic and novelist'Fantastic … a must-read for every writer, reader, artist and designer' - Fullscream.com'Thrillingly clear … beautifully formed ... an incisive manual for clarity of thought. This guide could as easily apply to writing (and indeed thinking on any creative endeavour … Essential!' - Dressing the Air.com'A thoroughly sensible and accessible guide to writing that could almost be applied to any subject' - ArtBookReview.netTable of ContentsIntroduction • Section 1. The Job – Why Write about Contemporary Art? • Section 2. The Practice – How to Write about Contemporary Art • Section 3. The Ropes – How to Write Contemporary Art Formats

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Book SynopsisIf you take even the slightest interest in the design of your toothbrush, the history behind your washing machine, or the evolution of the telephone, you’ll take an even greater interest in this completely updated edition of Industrial Design A–Z. Tracing the evolution of industrial design from the Industrial Revolution to the present day, the book bursts with synergies of form and function that transform our daily experience. From cameras to kitchenware, Lego to Lamborghini, we meet the individual designers, the global businesses, and above all the genius products that become integrated into even the smallest details of our lives. Alongside star designers like Marc Newson and Philippe Starck and major global brands like Braun and Apple, lesser-known and newcomer entries such as Brompton Bicycles and Enercon wind turbines attest to product design’s restless pace, as well as to today’s most pressing challenges and priorities to which it must turn its creative invention. Trade Review“This is an excellent study, well-presented and with beautiful photography.” * Antique Dealer Newspaper *

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Book SynopsisHow might we see ourselves more clearly? Consult Rembrandt.Who can encourage us to see more intimately? Tracey Emin is the expert.What about helping us see through pain? Look no further than Frida Kahlo.Too often we move through life on autopilot, blind to the life-affirming beauty of our strangeworld. But it doesn't have to be this way.In this masterclass on how an appreciation of art can help us lead fuller lives, Will Gompertz takes us into the minds and work of thirty-one astounding artists. Each has their own unique way of seeing: with their help, we learn how to expand our own vision of life and its endless possibilities how to look, feel and think more clearly.Offers a tide lesson in not just getting more from art, but more from life itself' The TimesArt can amaze us into changing our minds. This remarkable book teaches us how' Es DevlinHighly engaging and thought-provoking' Philip Hook, author of Breakfast at Sotheby'sWill Gompertz is the best teacher you never had' Guardian

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Book SynopsisThe central argument of "Chromophobia" is that a chromophobic impulse - a fear of corruption or contamination through colour - lurks within much Western cultural and intellectual thought. This is apparent in the many and varied attempts to purge colour, either by making it the property of some 'foreign body' - the oriental, the feminine, the infantile, the vulgar, or the pathological - or by relegating it to the realm of the superficial, the supplementary, the inessential, or the cosmetic. Chromophobia has been a cultural phenomenon since ancient Greek times; this book is concerned with forms of resistance to it. Writers have tended to look no further than the end of the nineteenth century. David Batchelor seeks to go beyond the limits of earlier studies, analysing the motivations behind chromophobia and considering the work of writers and artists who have been prepared to look at colour as a positive value. Exploring a wide range of imagery including Melville's "Great White Whale", Huxley's "Reflections on Mescaline", and Le Corbusier's "Journey to the East", Batchelor also discusses the use of colour in Pop, Minimal, and more recent art.Trade ReviewFull of good writing, good anecdotes, devastating quotes, deft arguments, and just the sort of mysterious anomalies one would expect from an artist writing about the enemies of his practice -- Dave Hickey Bookforum A hugely entertaining guide to our ongoing obsession with white' Time Out A provocative contribution to the discourse of color theory -- James Meyer Artforum This beautifully produced book is an intelligent and provocative essay on why Western culture hates and fears colour. The prose is cumulative and passionate in its effect and widely referential - from Barthes to Melville, Wim Wenders to Huysmans ... you cannot fail to be stimulated by his thoughts RA (Royal Academy Magazine) Switching from novels and movies to art and architecture, Batchelor clearly and cleverly traces the cultural implications of the 100 year-plus Colour War between Chromophobes like Le Corbusier, with their hosannas to whiteness, and Chromophiliacs like Warhol, the great artist of cosmetics. A succinct book of art theory which goes down smoothly i-D Magazine Batchelor has found an irresistible selection of anecdotes and quotes relating to the experience of color ... thoughtful and entertaining -- Tema Celeste a theoretical and cultural banquet ... The book's narrative quality goes beyond the telling of color theory's history and other approaches to color, coming to read like a psychological thriller: how the West crushed color - or at least thought it did so New Art Examiner, Chicago

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Book SynopsisHow one visionary inspired 200 years of art, poetry, and protestWeaving between the historical, cultural and personal, award-winning author Philip Hoare reveals a web of creative minds and artistic iconoclasts fired with the wild and revolutionary genius of William Blake.A life-changing book' The Times, Book of the WeekA poetic fever dream'TelegraphQueer in all senses of the word' Neil TennantUndoubtedly Hoare's masterpiece' Olivia LaingIn 1973, Derek Jarman set off from London to film the stones of Avebury. He was following in the footsteps of Paul Nash, who had photographed the ancient megaliths a generation before. Standing in that muddy field, by those stones, both artists had felt a direct connection to their hero a man who had died a long, long time ago, yet who remained electrically alive to them.In this alluring and poetic odyssey, Philip Hoare traces the enduring legacy of William Blake and how he came to inspire so many creative lives. Reaching out of his past and into our future, Blake draws together the natural world and metaphysical realms, merging the human and the animal and the spiritual, firing up twentieth-century artists, filmmakers, poets, writers and musicians with his radical promise of absolute freedom. This stirring, deeply felt book brings us back to Blake and shows that art still has the power to create positive change.A book that is neither Blake biography nor critical analysis nor legacy-tracing nor personal odyssey but a capacious mixing of them all a joyful and dizzying romp through the stories of those who came under Blake's posthumous spell' Philip Marsden,Spectator Beneath the leaps and returns, the book is skilfully structured, following Blake's life and art, and rendering all the inset lives complete, however discontinuous they appear One can foresee a rush of books in the run-up to 2027, the bicentenary of Blake's death, but nothing will be as audacious or intriguing as William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love' Jenny Uglow, TLS

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Book Synopsis'In three comprehensive sections packed with rich photography and expert advice, this practical yet inspiring guide will give you the confidence to try it yourself' - Elle Decoration'Ali Heath has done it again. In Create, she expertly unpacks how to mix old and new, to design a cohesive and irresistible home that radiates personality and charm, while guiding readers to trust their instinct and to create freely and from the heart.' - Holly Becker @decor8 'The ethos Ali promotes of reuse, the handmade and sustainability is something that particularly chimes with me. This is a book of the moment to encourage everyone to turn their house into a unique home, no matter your budget, building, or previous interior design skills.' - Sarah Moore, @sarahmoorehome'It's clear that the spaces and wisdom featured in Create come from the heart. It is another masterclass by Ali Heath in creating soulful spaces that sing with warmth and cut their own design path.' - Nicole Gray, Interiors Editor, YOU magazine'Ali is undoubtedly one of the best, most consistent and versatile stylists working today, and her new book Create is testimony to that.' - Ben Kendrick: Editor, Modern Rustic; Homes and Style Director, Country Living magazineSome of the most exciting interiors around are those that combine vintage and antique finds with select contemporary pieces. In Create, interior stylist and writer Ali Heath encourages you to think imaginatively about how to bring together old and new - giving you the confidence to let go of perfection, and to express your own style, while decorating more sustainably.Following on from the success of Ali's first book Curate, Create is a visual feast divided into three engaging and informative chapters. Establishing Your Style encourages you to trust your own creativity and gives advice on how to get started. Developing Your Eye explores topics that include defining your palette; mixing antique, vintage and modern; building and displaying collections; celebrating the handcrafted; layering pattern, fabrics and texture and styling the details. Whilst Inspiring Your Journey features the homes of tastemakers whose creative paths have inspired their own unique mix of old and new at home, with case studies that range from calm, whitewashed spaces to more colourful interiors.

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Book SynopsisNo matter what the news, Matt will always find exactly the right cartoon to make us smile - he has the genius-like ability to hit the right note every time! WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT MATT cartoons: 'Hilarious' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Christmas would not be the same without Matt' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Funniest cartoonist there is' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ And so say all of us: 'The master of the pocket cartoon. You can't be better than the best' Gyles Brandreth 'He's a genius' Jeremy VineThere is no doubt: award-winning Matt definitely makes the world a happier place!

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Book SynopsisDulwich’s mid-century modern architecture is increasingly recognised for its qualities of light, landscape and lifestyle. In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, around 2,000 new homes were created to the most modern standards without destroying the qualities which had made Dulwich so attractive to previous generations. With both historic and new photography, this book showcases the award-winning work of the Dulwich Estate’s architects, Austin Vernon & Partners, working with house builder Wates. Today, there is much to be learned from the architects and landscape planners who saw their role as fundamental to building Britain’s modern society.Table of ContentsForeword Introduction The Dulwich Estate — a brief history The Dulwich Estate after WW2 The Architects — Austin Vernon & Partners The Dulwich Estate and Wates The Plan Location of Estates Dulwich Wood Park Estate Woodhall Estate, College Road Whytefield Estate, Croxted Road & Rosendale Road Peckarmans Wood, Crescent Wood Road College Road Estate, College Road Ling’s Coppice, Croxted Road Great Brownings, College Road College Gardens, College Road Courtmead Close, Burbage Road Other estates in Dulwich by Austin Vernon & Partners Sixty years on List of Estates

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Book Synopsis''Study me reader, if you find delight in me...Come, O men, to see the miracles that such studies will disclose in nature.''Most of what we know about Leonardo da Vinci, we know because of his notebooks. Some 6,000 sheets of notes and drawings survive, which represent perhaps one-fifth of what he actually produced. In them he recorded everything that interested him in the world around him, and his study of how things work. With an artist''s eye and a scientist''s curiosity he studied the movement of water and the formation of rocks, the nature of flight and optics, anatomy, architecture, sculpture, and painting. He jotted down fables and letters and developed his belief in the sublime unity of nature and man. Through his notebooks we can get an insight into Leonardo''s thoughts, and his approach to work and life.This selection offers a cross-section of his writings, organized around coherent themes. Fully updated, this new edition includes some 70 line drawings and a Preface by Martin Kemp, one of the world''s leading authorities on Leonardo. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.Trade ReviewA remarkable insight into the Renaissance mind. * The Guardian. *

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book Synopsis

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book Synopsis"Beautiful to behold and to read" - THE SUNDAY TIMES"An arboreal odyssey" - NATURE"One of the most quietly beautiful books of the year" - DAILY MAIL"Jonathan Drori's deep-seated love of nature is contagious in this tree-by-tree journey across countries and continents. A book to take your time over" - WIREDJonathan Drori’s number one bestseller, now available in paperback!Bestselling author and environmentalist Jonathan Drori follows in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg as he tells the stories of 80 magnificent trees from all over the globe.In Around the World in 80 Trees, Jonathan Drori uses plant science to illuminate how trees play a role in every part of human life, from the romantic to the regrettable. From the trees of Britain, to India's sacred banyan tree, they offer us sanctuary and inspiration - not to mention the raw materials for everything from aspirin to maple syrup.Stops on the trip include the lime trees of Berlin's Unter den Linden boulevard, which intoxicate amorous Germans and hungry bees alike, the swankiest streets in nineteenth-century London, which were paved with Australian eucalyptus wood, and the redwood forests of California, where the secret to the trees' soaring heights can be found in the properties of the tiniest drops of water.Each of these strange and true tales - populated by self-mummifying monks, tree-climbing goats and ever-so-slightly radioactive nuts - is illustrated by Lucille Clerc, taking the reader on a journey that is as informative as it is beautiful. The book combines history, science and a wealth of quirky detail - there should be surprises for everyone.Perfect for fans of Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees, this new book will certainly whet the appetite of any tree lover to take an around-the-world trip, or simply visit your local botanic garden. The perfect travel guide for nature enthusiasts.Winner at the Woodland Books of the Year Awards 2018."An irresistible mix of science, culture, botany, history and vicarious travel" - SYDNEY MORNING HERALDTrade Review"Energetic writing accompanied by captivating illustrations that evoke the wonder and magic of trees meant I couldn't put this book down until I'd absorbed every beautiful page. Funny and informative, it's a heartfelt and personal look at the world's best known trees, their links with humanity and role in the natural world. It's hard to look at these towering plants without sharing the same love Drori and Clerc have clearly poured into Around the World in 80 Trees." -- - Jack Wallington, The Telegraph"Around the World in 80 Trees is one of my most treasured volumes in the rather massive library of tree books that I accumulated over the years that I researched and wrote The Overstory" -- - Richard Powers, Pulitzer Prize winning author

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Book SynopsisPhilip's Stargazing is the perfect practical guide for both budding and experienced astronomers."If you buy just one guide...you won't do better than this." - BBC Sky at Night MagazineWhether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting out, this handy fact-packed gem is the only book you'll need. Compiled by experts and specially designed for easy and daily use, Stargazing 2024 acts as a handily illustrated and comprehensive companion. Including the top astronomical places to visit, star festivals and the latest on star parties in Britain and Ireland, the new 2024 edition is totally up-to-date for exploring the wonder of the night skies, month-by-month and day-by-day.· 12 updated sky charts for year-round astronomical discovery· Month-to-Month information. Daily Moon Phase Calendar, highlighting special lunar events throughout the year· Planet Watch for ideal viewing days in 2024· The best places to experience Dark Skies, along with the latest on Star Festivals and Star Parties· Top places to visit for astronomical insights· Expert advice and insight throughout from internationally renowned Prof Nigel Henbest· Special article on the use of filters for astro-photography by expert Robin Scagell· Complete calendar of major astronomical events, including the Top 20 Sky Sights of 2024· Jargon Buster, explaining common or confusing terms· The planets' movements explained from solar and lunar eclipses to meteor showers and comets"I will continue to enjoy 'Philip's Stargazing' as the months go by." - Helen Sharman, Astronaut"Very useful indeed." - Chris Lintott, Sky at Night presenter

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Book SynopsisJonathan Richardson (1667face=Tahoma>–1745) was one of 18th-century England’s most significant cultural figures. A leading portrait painter and influential art theorist, he also amassed one of the period’s greatest collections of drawings. But there was another, highly unusual dimension to his pursuits. In 1728, at the age of 61 and shortly before his retirement from professional life, Richardson began to create a remarkable series of self-portrait drawings. Not intended for public display, these works were unguarded explorations of his own character. In one of the most astonishing projects of self-examination ever undertaken by an artist, for over a decade Richardson repeatedly drew his own face. His self-portrait drawings are usually dated precisely, and they document, from month to month, his changing state of mind as much as his appearance. Many were drawn in chalks on large sheets of blue paper, from his reflection in the mirror. Some of these are bold and psychologically penetrating, while others, in which he regards his ageing features with gentle but unflinching scrutiny, are deeply touching. A further group of self-portraits is drawn with graphite on small sheets of fine vellum, and in these Richardson often presents himself in inventive and humorous ways, such as in profile, all’antica, as though on the face of a coin or medal; or crowned with bays, like a celebrated poet. Sometimes, too, he copies his image from oil paintings made decades earlier, in order to recall his appearance as a younger man. In this extraordinary series of self-portraits, Richardson offers a candid insight into his mind and personality. Together, these drawings create nothing less than a unique and compelling visual autobiography. This publication – which accompanies the first ever exhibition devoted to Richardson’s self-portrait drawings, held in the new Gilbert and Ildiko Butler Drawings Gallery at the Courtauld – tells the story of these remarkable works Jonathan Richardson (1667–1745) was one of 18th-century England’s most significant cultural figures. A leading portrait painter and influential art theorist, he also amassed one of the period’s greatest collections of drawings. But there was another, highly unusual dimension to his pursuits. In 1728, at the age of 61 and shortly before his retirement from professional life, Richardson began to create a remarkable series of self-portrait drawings. Not intended for public display, these works were unguarded explorations of his own character. In one of the most astonishing projects of self-examination ever undertaken by an artist, for over a decade Richardson repeatedly drew his own face. His self-portrait drawings are usually dated precisely, and they document, from month to month, his changing state of mind as much as his appearance. Many were drawn in chalks on large sheets of blue paper, from his reflection in the mirror. Some of these are bold and psychologically penetrating, while others, in which he regards his ageing features with gentle but unflinching scrutiny, are deeply touching. A further group of self-portraits is drawn with graphite on small sheets of fine vellum, and in these Richardson often presents himself in inventive and humorous ways, such as in profile, all’antica, as though on the face of a coin or medal; or crowned with bays, like a celebrated poet. Sometimes, too, he copies his image from oil paintings made decades earlier, in order to recall his appearance as a younger man. In this extraordinary series of self-portraits, Richardson offers a candid insight into his mind and personality. Together, these drawings create nothing less than a unique and compelling visual autobiography. This publication – which accompanies the first ever exhibition devoted to Richardson’s self-portrait drawings, held in the new Gilbert and Ildiko Butler Drawings Gallery at the Courtauld – tells the story of these remarkable works and puts them into the context of his other activities at this period of his life – in particular the self-searching poems he wrote during the same years and often on the same days as he made the drawings. An introductory essay is followed by focused discussions of each work in the exhibition. This part of the book explores the materials and techniques Richardson used, whether working in chalks on a large scale or creating exquisitely refined drawings on vellum. It will also reveal how Richardson modeled some of his portraits on old master prints and drawings, including works in his own collection by Rembrandt and Bernini. The publication brings together the Courtauld Gallery’s fine collection of Richardson’s drawings with key works in the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the Fitzwilliam Museum.

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Book SynopsisBetween 1915 and 1917 the Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev wrote a series of twenty piano pieces. While playing them for a gatheringof friends, the poet Konstantin Balmont wrote a sonnet which entitled Mimolyotnosti which Kira Nikolayevna would translate as Visions fugitives. Inspired by these dazzling miniatures, I have assembled a jewel box containing twenty individual felt-tip drawings on watercolor paper capturing fugitive visions of China. For a country that has of late been focused on the future, I have been fascinated by the search for a true contemporary regional language in traditional Chinese architecture and painting. The intricate and careful composition in relation to landscape and light has been a continual revelation, as evidenced by the Summer Palace on the outskirts of Beijing and vanishing water towns such as Zhujiajiao, known as the “Venice of Shanghai.”

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Book Synopsis

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