History of art Books

19236 products


  • Piero della Francesca and the Invention of the

    Reaktion Books Piero della Francesca and the Invention of the

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisAs one of the most innovative and enlightened painters of the early Italian Renaissance, Piero della Francesca knew how to capture the moment. He brought space, luminosity and unparalleled subtlety to painting, during an era that was aware it was forging epochal change. Piero invented the role of the modern artist by becoming a traveller, a courtier, a geometrician, a patron and much else, and his pursuits were taken up by countless authors and artists from Leonardo da Vinci to Giorgio Vasari. In this nuanced account of his life and art, Machtelt Bruggen Israels reconstructs how Piero came of age. Successfully demystifying the persistent notion of Piero's art as enigmatic, she reveals the simple and stunning intentions behind his work.Trade Review"Israels's book captures the essential clarity, truthfulness, and modernity of Piero della Francesca's art in prose that skillfully evokes his technical mastery and subtle artistry. Piero's career is followed chronologically and contextually and staged in terms of the roles he adopted and performed--pupil and master, citizen and courtier, devotee and scientist among them. Close looking and careful description reveal the intellectual rigor and expressive force of his paintings. The book is as magisterial as its subject in achieving a new and compelling perspective on his life and work."--Patricia Rubin, New York University "Israels's text plunges the reader back into the fifteenth century so that Piero della Francesca's art can be seen through his eyes and those of his contemporaries."--Carl Brandon Strehlke, Philadelphia Museum of Art

    2 in stock

    £16.16

  • Art Oracles: Creative & Life Inspiration from the

    Orion Publishing Co Art Oracles: Creative & Life Inspiration from the

    Book SynopsisBe guided and inspired by the world’s greatest artists with this creative set of oracle cards. Are you suffering from creative block? Struggling to make a difficult life decision? Find out what Picasso, Pollock, Kahlo and other great artists would have done. Simply select an artist's card from the pack, select the oracles’ advice on life, work or inspiration and any obstacle becomes surmountable. Contains 50 oracle cards plus a booklet featuring the artists’ biographies and details of how to use the cards.

    £16.19

  • David Hockney

    Prestel David Hockney

    Book Synopsis

    £17.99

  • Earthly Delights

    Thames & Hudson Ltd Earthly Delights

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisA Sunday Times Art Book of the Year: written by one of the UK's foremost art critics, this new narrative history of the Renaissance takes in the whole of Europe and its global context. What was the 'Renaissance'? In the nineteenth century this flowering of creativity and thought was celebrated as the birth of the modern world. Today many historians are sceptical about its very existence. Earthly Delights rekindles the Renaissance as a seismic change in European mentalities, in a panoramic history that encompasses Florence and Bruges, London and Nuremberg. Artists from northern as well as southern Europe, including Leonardo, Bosch, Bruegel and Titian, star in a captivating and beautifully illustrated narrative that sets their lives against a period of convulsive change across a continent that was finding itself as it discovered' the world. Art critic and writer Jonathan Jones tells the story of Renaissance artists as pioneers, adventurers and geniuses', a Renaissance concept. AlTrade Review'A pearl of a book, a delight to read, full of language and ideas that form a tumbling elegy to the “eruption of curiosity” of the age' - Anna Keays, The Times'Jonathan Jones, the art critic of the Guardian, rides into battle like the knights in Uccello’s Battle of San Romano, gives you big ideas and bold themes, then, dismounting, writes with lyrical loveliness about the “light-catching locks” and spiralling curls of Leonardo’s angels or the slender, honeytrap Venuses of Lucas Cranach the Elder ... This is the Renaissance of Botticelli and Bosch, of heavenly goddesses and teeming hells' - Laura Freeman, Art Books of the Year, The Sunday Times'Jonathan Jones has reimagined the Renaissance for our times in a beautifully written love letter to the art of Leonardo, Bosch, Dürer, Titian, Michelangelo and so many others ... it is a tale of artistic innovation and exchange in a world of sex, piety, revolution and discovery. From Van Eyck to Caravaggio, each page makes new connections and offers brilliant revelations about works we thought we knew, but which appear anew under Jones’ period gaze. His love of the art of the period is passionate and infectious: a superb achievement' - Jerry Brotton, author of 'The Renaissance Bazaar''Earthly Delights captures the extraordinary transformation in Europe of thinking from 1400 to 1600 ... Packed with the stories of the geniuses who made the art of this period soar -- from Leonardo and his ideas for a flying machine to Michelangelo and his St Peter’s Basilica – this book is both beautifully illustrated and hugely readable' - Art Society Magazine'One of the most compelling and widely read critics of our time … Jones deftly side-steps the great morass of scholarly verbiage that has built up around this pivotal era, and goes straight to the works of art themselves. We stand at his shoulder as some of the greatest paintings and sculptures of all time reveal their meanings to him - and to us. The result is a highly readable book that makes an extraordinary, but now distant period of human history feel fresh, immediate and very relevant to now. And not least through Jones's own unquenchable passion for his subject' - Mark Hudson, art critic and author of 'Titian, The Last Days''The author surveys a wide range of artists and key paintings, providing his own perspective on masterpieces such as Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes (1455-60) sculpture in Florence' - Art Newspaper'Jonathan Jones sets out to rebut the view that the very idea of the Renaissance is “a wheezing old steam train, a 19th-century construct”. Instead, he argues, it constituted a revolutionary new focus on the earthly realities of the world, human flesh among them. He makes the case vigorously, persuasively and entertainingly' - Martin Gayford, Books of the Year, Spectator'Fast-moving and zestful … re-presents the story of the Renaissance as a rollicking, whizz-bang, can-do, will-do, must-do tale of daring innovation driven by a hoard of brilliant, maverick schemers and adventurers such as Bosch, Brueghel, Durer and Michelangelo. Can be easily read to the accompaniment of several glasses of the best, needless to say' - The Tablet'Jones’s reading of Leonardo’s Cecilia Gallerani is as illuminating as it unexpected … his knowledge makes him a sure-footed guide through this seismic two hundred years of European history … We might not have “needed” another history of the Renaissance, but now that we have it, it is worth celebrating' - Literary Review'Jones paints a picture that is more multidimensional, fragmented and complicated, one in which profound changes in art and thought were also spurred by curiosity about other continents and the spirit of scientific enquiry. The entertaining and accessible text discusses all the titans – Leonardo, Diirer, Bruegel, Holbein, Botticelli, Michelangelo – as well as finding a place for some lesser-known women artists and patrons' - Art Quarterly'Revisits this well-trodden period from a more globalist perspective. Tracing influences across northern and southern Europe and its colonies, Jonathan Jones argues that the Renaissance was not the 'muted, peripheral phenomenon of elite culture' many believe it to have been' - The New York Times Book Review'Some say the Renaissance is a fantasy of aesthetic gluttony dreamt up in the 19thcentury. But The Guardian’s art critic Jonathan Jones is having none of it, and in Earthly Delights: A History of the Renaissance, his joyous, reflective, and beautifully illustrated account, he explores in panoramic detail an age of discovery fuelled by curiosity and delight' - The New European'It is a passion which, in Earthly Delights, Jones pursues with intelligence, knowledge and some splendidly iconoclastic readings and opinions … his reading of Leonardo’s Cecilia Gallerani is as illuminating as it is unexpected – a sly celebration of the human over the divine. Elsewhere, his knowledge makes him a sure-footed guide through this seismic two hundred years of European history … We might not have “needed” another history of the Renaissance, but now that we have it, it is worth celebrating' - Sarah Dunant'An enlightening and entertaining account of what happened when western culture went back to the future. Rather fittingly, it’s the kind of book you finish only to find yourself looking forward to reading again' - Stephen Smith, GuardianTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Arnolfini Nude 2. The Naked Citizen 3. The Triumph of Love 4. Profane Angels 5. Worldly Knowledge 6. Haywain To Hell 7. The Garden of Earthly Delights 8. Render Unto Caesar 9. Melancholia 10. Pulse of Life 11. Judgements 12. Carnival and Lent 13. Curiosities

    3 in stock

    £24.00

  • A Cultural History of Dress and Fashion in the

    Bloomsbury Publishing PLC A Cultural History of Dress and Fashion in the

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisSpurred by an increasingly international and competitive market, the Renaissance saw the development of many new fabrics and the use of highly prized ingredients imported from the New World. In response to a thirst for the new, fashion's pace of change accelerated, the production of garments provided employment for an increasingly significant proportion of the working population, and entrepreneurial artisans began to transform even the most functional garments into fashionable ones. Anxieties concerning vanity and the power of clothing to mask identities heightened fears of fashion's corrupting influence, and heralded the great age of sumptuary legislation intended to police status and gender through dress.Drawing on sources from surviving garments to artworks to moralising pamphlets, this richly illustrated volume presents essays on textiles, production and distribution, the body, belief, gender and sexuality, status, ethnicity, and visual and literary representations to iTable of ContentsList of Illustrations Introduction Elizabeth Currie (freelance lecturer and author specialising in the history of fashion and textiles, UK) Chapter 1 – Textiles Maria Hayward (University of Southampton, UK) Chapter 2 – Production and Distribution Susan Vincent (University of York, UK) Chapter 3 – The Body Isabelle Paresys (Université de Lille, France) Chapter 4 – Belief Cordelia Warr (University of Manchester, UK) Chapter 5 – Gender and Sexuality Ann Rosalind Jones (Smith College, USA) Chapter 6 – Status Catherine Richardson (University of Kent, UK) Chapter 7 – Ethnicity Eminegül Karababa (Middle East Technical University, Turkey) Chapter 8 – Visual Representations Anna Reynolds (Deputy Surveyor of Paintings, Royal Collection Trust, UK) Chapter 9 – Literary Representations Gerry Milligan (City University of New York, USA) Notes Bibliography Notes on Contributors Index

    2 in stock

    £26.59

  • Phaidon Press Ltd Yoshitomo Nara

    Book SynopsisThe definitive book on the life and career of internationally acclaimed artist Yoshitomo NaraTrade Review'Definitive...[a] truly authoritative monograph.' – HYPEBAE'Though he is now best-known for his complicated kawaii girls, the monograph also gives a detailed account of Mr Nara's other artistic ventures. An astonishing assemblage of sculptures, sketches, installations, ceramics, collaborations and photography, its pages reveal Mr Nara's extraordinary range and prolific output.' – Mr. Porter'This monograph, published to coincide with a major solo exhibition at LACMA charts his first influences as a child growing up in an isolated northern town, to the development of his distinct "big-headed girls," and a new politically charged direction, following the 2011 earthquake and nuclear disaster that affected his home region.' – Elephant Magazine'This book tells the compelling story of Nara's history to date, offering a fascinating glimpse into the internal world of this intriguing artist, whose work is never quite what it seems.' – The Arts Society Magazine

    £63.96

  • Jean-Henri Riesener: Cabinetmaker to Louis XVI

    Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd Jean-Henri Riesener: Cabinetmaker to Louis XVI

    Book SynopsisThis first major monograph on cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener traces his life and career, bringing new insights into his business practice, designs and construction techniques. Jean-Henri Riesener (1734–1806) was one of the greatest French cabinetmakers of all time. From humble beginnings as a German immigrant in Paris, he found fame through the delivery of a magnificent roll-top desk to Louis XV in 1769. He went on to become Marie-Antoinette’s favourite cabinetmaker, supplying the queen and the court of Louis XVI with sumptuous furniture of superb quality. Renowned for his exquisite marquetry and refined designs, his pieces were ornamented with spectacular gilt-bronze mounts made by some of the greatest metalworkers in Paris. In the nineteenth century, Riesener’s name became associated with the very best of Louis XVI-period French furniture. His pieces continue to be highly sought after and are found in major museums worldwide. Based on the extensive collections of Riesener furniture in the Wallace Collection, Waddesdon Manor and the Royal Collection, the authors examine the objects and their history, and highlight the changing tastes of the nineteenth-century collectors who acquired so many former French royal pieces. The new illustrations and visual glossary add another important resource for art historians, decorative arts enthusiasts and furniture lovers.Trade ReviewThe first serious Riesener monograph. -- Alexandre Pradère * The Art Newspaper *This authoritative tome is both an enjoyable read as well as a scholarly compilation of original research [...] it is extremely refreshing to be presented with such a clearly written and entirely unapologetic celebration of one of the creative geniuses of the French eighteenth century. This publication would do Watson, Bellaigue and Verlet proud. More, please. -- Wolf Burchard * The Furniture History Society *Table of ContentsThe Riesener, Oeben & Vandercruse families THE CABINETMAKER Jean-Henri Riesener: a portrait sketch Christian Baulez A German in Paris Laura Langelüddecke Jean-Henri Riesener and the business of furniture-making Carolyn Sargentson A question of language: the royal furniture administration’s accounts Lindsay Macnaughton ‘Executed in the taste of painting’: Riesener’s marquetry designs Mia Jackson Jean-Henri Riesener: the portraits Juliet Carey THE COLLECTORS From Versailles to Windsor Castle: George IV and Riesener Rufus Bird Alteration and appropriation: the 4th Marquess of Hertford and the taste for Riesener Helen Jacobsen Riesener and the Rothschilds at Waddesdon Manor Ulrich Leben Buying from Britain: the development of a new market Daniëlle Kisluk-Grosheide THE FURNITURE Works in the Wallace Collection, the Royal Collection & Waddesdon Manor THE MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES Materials and techniques Jürgen Huber Visual glossary Alexander Collins

    £42.50

  • How to Read Buddhist Art

    Metropolitan Museum of Art How to Read Buddhist Art

    Book SynopsisAn indispensable introduction to the evolution of Buddhist imagery from its origins in India through its spread to China, Japan, and South Asia For more than 2,000 years, sublime works of art have been created to embody essential aspects of Buddhist thought, which developed and evolved as its practice spread from India to East Asia and beyond. How to Read Buddhist Art introduces this complex visual tradition to a general audience by examining sixty seminal works. Beginning with the origins of representations of the Buddha in India, and moving on to address the development of Buddhist art as the religion spread across Asia, this book conveys how Buddhist philosophy affected artistic works and practice across cultural boundaries. Reliquaries, sculptures, and paintings produced in China, the Himalayas, Japan, Korea, and South and Southeast Asia provide insight into the rich iconography of Buddhism, the technical virtuosity of their makers, and the social and political climate in which they were created. Beautiful photographs of the artworks, maps, and a glossary of the major Buddhist deities offer an engaging and informative setting in which readers—regardless of their familiarity with Buddhism—can better understand the art related to the religion’s practices and representations.Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press

    £18.95

  • Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Art of the Four

    Quarto Publishing PLC Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Art of the Four

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisDelve into the world of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his Glasgow School of Art-trained contemporaries who forged a unique and distinct vision in both art and architecture at the end of the Victorian era. The Glasgow Style is the name given to the work of a group of young designers and architects working in Glasgow from 1890–1914. At its centre were four young friends who had trained at Glasgow School of Art; two architects and two artists – Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Herbert MacNair, Margaret Macdonald and Frances Macdonald – who were simply known by their friends and contemporaries as ‘The Four’. Their work was a personal vision in the new international style of the 1890s, Art Nouveau, and is perhaps best known for Mackintosh’s architecture and furniture. But at the root of this new style was a graphic language which all four shared.Charles Rennie MackintosTable of ContentsPreface 1 Beginnings 2 Art School 3 Ghouls and Gaspipes 4 Collaborations 5 Art and Craft 6 Recognition 7 Partnerships 8 Turin and Beyond 9 Hardships 10 Solace 11 France Epilogue Select Bibliography Abbreviations Notes Index

    2 in stock

    £23.80

  • Isamu Noguchi

    Prestel Isamu Noguchi

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisNow available in paperback, this definitive book explores the multidisciplinary career of one of the most experimental and pioneering artists of the 20th century. Encompassing the entirety of Isamu Noguchi's work in sculpture, ceramics, photography, architecture, design, as well as the artist's playscapes, gardens and stage sets for modern dance and theatre performance, this survey explores Noguchi's creative process and lesser-known aspects of his practice, his engagement with a wide range of mediums and cultures, and his innovative achievements over six decades. Brimming with imagery and contributions from an international range of authors, this book helps readers grasp the diversity and patterns of Noguchi's work both in situ and in galleries. Archival photographs of the artist's studios offer glimpses into his experimental attitude towards sculpture. Themes of harmony and dissonance, which were central to his practice, are explored in a series of essays that consider the artist's dual heritage, the Japanese American experience, his worldwide travel and his many influences. It also pays tribute to Noguchi's fruitful collaborations with creatives from a range of industries, such as R. Buckminster Fuller, Martha Graham and Louis Kahn. Throughout the monograph Noguchi's own words provide a critical backdrop towards understanding an artist who embraced many schools of thought, and whose entire life and career set an example for partnership and cooperation across artistic, political and cultural boundaries.

    15 in stock

    £31.99

  • Dressed For War

    Simon & Schuster Ltd Dressed For War

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis'Magnificent ... Dressed for War works on many levels: as an evocation of an uncommon time; as a celebration of an uncommon woman; as pure, unalloyed fun.' Lucy Davies, Daily TelegraphDressed For War: The Story of Audrey Withers, Vogue editor extraordinaire from the Blitz to the Swinging Sixties is the untold story of our most iconic fashion magazine in its most formative years, in the Second World War. It was an era when wartime exigencies gave its editor, Audrey Withers, the chance to forge an identity for it that went far beyond stylish clothes. In doing so, she set herself against the style and preoccupations of Vogue’s mothership in New York, and her often sticky relationship with its formidable editor, Edna Woolman Chase, became a strong dynamic in the Vogue story.   But Vogue had a good war, with great writers and to

    2 in stock

    £9.49

  • Bushido

    Schiffer Publishing Ltd Bushido

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis gorgeous book delves into the elusive world of traditional Japanese tattooing!

    2 in stock

    £23.79

  • Looking at Pictures Art Essentials

    Thames & Hudson Ltd Looking at Pictures Art Essentials

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction • 1. Ways of Looking at Pictures • 2. Land and Sea • 3. Portraits • 4. Everyday Things • 5. History and Mythology • 6. The Christian World • 7. Creating Patterns on Flat Surfaces • 8. Tradition • 9. Design and Organization • 10. The Depiction of Space • 11. Formal Analysis • 12. Hidden Meanings • 13. Quality

    1 in stock

    £10.40

  • Life Letters and Poetry

    Oxford University Press Life Letters and Poetry

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe poems have been rendered into vigorous contemporary English. A selection of Michelangelo''s letters, many of the to important contemporaries such as Vasari and Duke Cosimo, is accompanied by the `Life'' of the great artist written by his pupil Ascanio Condivi. 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 ReviewEnglish readers are deeply indebted to Mr Bull's skilful translations and Mr Porter deserves credit for his share in the gargantuan task of translating poems that even Wordsworth found "the most difficult to construe". * The Tablet *The entire book is readably and vividly translated. * The Universe *

    1 in stock

    £10.44

  • Galison Warhol Banana Shaped Bookmark

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisBOOKMARK The Warhol Banana Paper Bookmark is the perfect way to keep your place in your favorite book. Featuring Warhol's iconic Banana print, this bookmark is double sided and fits perfectly on the page so you can easily find your spot without losing your place. You can use our bookmarks to keep your place in sketchbooks, journals, books, and so much more. The iconic design is perfect for anyone who loves art and wants to add beauty to their reading experience. BRIGHT AND BOLD ARTWORK Andy Warhol's Banana print is synonymous with the pop art movement of the 1960s, embodying Warhol's revolutionary approach to art and culture. Originally created as the album cover for The Velvet Underground & Nico, the banana became an emblem of rebellion and innovation, challenging conventional notions of art and music. PERFECT FOR GIFTING Whether you're a fan of Warhol's iconic artwork, a collector of unique bookmarks, or simply appreciate the fusion of art and everyday objects, our Paper Boo

    Out of stock

    £999.99

  • The Art of Top Cow Legacy

    Image Comics The Art of Top Cow Legacy

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Art of Top Cow: Legacybrings together the past and present, showing the artistic evolution of the studio in a coffee table-style book featuring editorial commentary to guide collectors of exceptional comics' art through the history of each series and sure to bring fans of fine artwork from the world of comics together. The ultimate gift for comics fans,The Art of Top Cow: Legacyshowcases a stunning collection of artwork spanning Top Cow's over thirty-year history. Featuring pieces from Top Cow creator Marc Silvestri as well as the beloved Michael Turner with breathtaking works by superstar artist Stjepan Šejic, his wife Linda Šejic as well as comics-industry legends like David Finch, Joe Benitez, Ed Benes, Brett Booth, J. Scott Campbell as well as a new wave of artists linking the past to the present in the form of Ed Benes, Giuseppe Cafaro, Willi Roberts, Andrea Mutti, Rosa Ekedal, Pat Boutin and more.

    1 in stock

    £29.99

  • The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy

    Penguin Books Ltd The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisFor nineteenth-century Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt, the Italian Renaissance was nothing less than the beginning of the modern world - a world in which flourishing individualism and the competition for fame radically transformed science, the arts, and politics. In this landmark work he depicts the Italian city-states of Florence, Venice and Rome as providing the seeds of a new form of society, and traces the rise of the creative individual, from Dante to Michelangelo. A fascinating description of an era of cultural transition, this nineteenth-century masterpiece was to become the most influential interpretation of the Italian Renaissance, and anticipated ideas such as Nietzsche's concept of the 'Ubermensch' in its portrayal of an age of genius.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history Trade Review“The greatest single book on the history of Italy between 1350 and 1550.”—Hajo Holborn

    1 in stock

    £12.34

  • The Short Story of Modern Art: A Pocket Guide to

    Orion Publishing Co The Short Story of Modern Art: A Pocket Guide to

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Short Story of Modern Art explains the how, why and when of modern art – who introduced certain things, what they were, where they were produced, and why they matter. Simply constructed, the book explores 50 key works – from the realist painting of Courbet to a contemporary installation by Yayoi Kusama – and then links them to the most important movements, themes and techniques. Accessible, concise and richly illustrated, the book reveals the connections between different periods, artists and styles, giving readers a thorough understanding and broad enjoyment of modern art.

    1 in stock

    £14.24

  • Takashi Murakami The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg

    Rizzoli International Publications Takashi Murakami The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe first major U.S. monograph in ten years on Murakami is the definitive survey of the paintings of one of today’s most influential artists.   Takashi Murakami (b. 1962), one of contemporary art’s most widely recognized exponents, receives a long-awaited critical consideration in this important volume. Accompanying the first retrospective exhibition devoted solely to Murakami’s paintings, this book traces Murakami’s career from his earliest training to his current studio practice.   Where other books address the commercial aspects of Murakami’s work, this is the first serious survey of his work as a painter. Through essays and illustrations— many previously unpublished—it explores the artist’s relationship to the tradition of Japanese painting and his facility in straddling high and low, ancient and modern, Eastern and Western, commercial and high art. New texts address Murakami’s output in the context of postwar Japan, situating the artist in relation to folklore, traditional Japanese painting, the Tokyo art scene in the 1980s and 1990s, and the threat of nuclear annihilation. This richly illustrated volume also includes a detailed biography and exhibition history. Takashi Murakami is a true essential for collectors and fans alike.Trade Review"This richly illustrated volume also includes a detailed biography and exhibition history. Available in May 2017, TAKASHI MURAKAMI is a true essential for collectors and fans alike."—ArtFixDaily.com"Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg accounts for the first serious survey of the famed Japanese artist’s work. Through various essays and illustrations, many of which were previously unpublished, the book traces Murakami‘s career from training, to his current studio practice."—HighSnobiety.com "Through essays and illustrations it explores the artist’s relationship to the tradition of Japanese painting and his facility in straddling high and low, ancient and modern, Eastern and Western, commercial and high art."—Hamptons Art Hub"A definitive survey of the paintings of Japanese contemporary artist Murakami, The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg explores his relationship to traditional Japanese painting and the many contrasts in his work—high and low, ancient and modern, Eastern and Western, commercial and high art."—PureWow.com". . . magnificent catalog . . ."—Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    1 in stock

    £40.00

  • The Black Experience in Design: Identity,

    Skyhorse Publishing The Black Experience in Design: Identity,

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Black Experience in Design spotlights teaching practices, research, stories, and conversations from a Black/African diasporic lens. Excluded from traditional design history and educational canons that heavily favor European modernist influences, the work and experiences of Black designers have been systematically overlooked in the profession for decades. However, given the national focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the aftermath of the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests in the United States, educators, practitioners, and students now have the opportunity—as well as the social and political momentum—to make long-term, systemic changes in design education, research, and practice, reclaiming the contributions of Black designers in the process.The Black Experience in Design, an anthology centering a range of perspectives, spotlights teaching practices, research, stories, and conversations from a Black/African diasporic lens. Through the voices represented, this text exemplifies the inherently collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of design, providing access to ideas and topics for a variety of audiences, meeting people as they are and wherever they are in their knowledge about design. Ultimately, The Black Experience in Design serves as both inspiration and a catalyst for the next generation of creative minds tasked with imagining, shaping, and designing our future.

    1 in stock

    £13.49

  • JeanMichel Basquiat King PleasureÂ

    Rizzoli International Publications JeanMichel Basquiat King PleasureÂ

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis landmark volume tells the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat from the intimate perspective of his family, intertwining his artistic endeavors with his personal life, influences, and the times in which he lived, and features for the first time work from the Estate’s largely unseen and significant collection of paintings, drawings, sketches, and ephemera.Organized by the family of Basquiat, the exhibition and accompanying catalogue feature over 200 never before and rarely seen paintings, drawings, ephemera, and artifacts. The artist’s contributions to the history of art and his exploration into our multi-faceted culture—incorporating music, the Black experience, pop culture, African American sports figures, literature, and other sources—are showcased alongside personal reminiscences and firsthand accounts providing unique insight into Basquiat’s creative life and his singulTrade ReviewBest Black Art Books 2022: "This volume stands out because it is not authored or edited by curators, scholars, or even Basquiat’s contemporaries, rather it was conceived by his family. His two younger sisters (Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Herveaux) and stepmother (Nora Fitzpatrick) produced it to accompany the expansive exhibition the sisters organized: “Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure” at the Starrett-Lehigh Building in New York. Reflecting the show, the catalog illustrates previously unseen art from The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, with the family providing detailed captions and insights about the works. The final contents of the artist’s Great Jones Street studio are also pictured—handwritten notes; paintings by Sam Doyle; wood masks, cloth dolls, toys and vintage cameras; and his expansive book, magazine, and videotape collections. The volume is also rife with family photographs, succinct memories of the artist through the years, and related ephemera." —CULTURE TYPE"Providing perhaps the most detailed personal portrait to date of Basquiat’s development, the show comes at a time when the artist’s market value continues to soar and his themes of race and self-identity have become especially resonant." —THE NEW YORK TIMES"Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure© [is] finally telling his true story—through the words and vision of his living sisters, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux." —CULTURED MAG "Basquiat’s family revealed that the upcoming exhibition Jean Michel-Basquiat: King Pleasure© opens on April 9, 2022, at the Starrett-Lehigh Building in Manhattan and will show rare and never before work from the iconic artist. . .Sir David Adjaye OBE, the highly acclaimed architect, will be the Exhibition Designer for the show that will include 200 pieces of Basquiat’s work, in celebration of the painter’s life and story, HypeArt reports. A book of the same name will also be released by Rizzoli Electa in conjunction with the show’s opening." —THE ROOT"The exhibition opens on April 9, 2022 at NYC landmark, the Starrett-Lehigh Building and will feature over 200 never before and rarely seen paintings, drawings, ephemera and artifacts to give an intimate and multidimensional portrait of Jean-Michel that can only be told by his family. This exhibition will create a space where the family can celebrate Jean-Michel and share his work and story. Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure© is curated and executive produced solely by the estate. Rizzoli Electa will release the accompanying book, also titled Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure©, to coincide with the exhibition. The family has also shared the themes and environments that will make up the exhibition, each of which will have works, artifacts, and a dedicated soundtrack." —ARTFIXDAILY'The family has also announced that award-winning architect David Adjaye OBE is the exhibition’s designer. He is the founder of Adjaye Associates, which operates internationally, and designed The National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC. Additionally, the exhibition’s motif has been created by Abbott Miller of visionary design firm Pentagram. Miller previously collaborated with cultural clients, including the Guggenheim Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Museum. In conjunction with the exhibition, Rizzoli Electa will release the accompanying book, also titled Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure." —MODERN LUXURY"In tandem with an upcoming NYC exhibition of the same name, this book offers exclusive art, as well as anecdotes from the late artist’s family, reliving the influences of his early life with this intimate volume." —ROLLING STONE

    1 in stock

    £31.96

  • The Yellow House

    Penguin Books Ltd The Yellow House

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisREVISED AND UPDATED EDITION''Masterly . . . a wonderfully alert and moving portrait'' Mail on Sunday---------------------Two artistic giants. One small house.From October to December 1888 a pair of at the time largely unknown artists lived under one roof in the French provincial town of Arles. Paul Gauguin and Vincent Van Gogh ate, drank, talked, argued, slept and painted in one of the most intense and astonishing creative outpourings in history. Yet as the weeks passed Van Gogh buckles under the strain, fought with his companion and committed an act of violence on himself that prompted Gauguin to flee without saying goodbye to his friend.The Yellow House is an intimate portrait of their time together as well as a subtle exploration of a fragile friendship, art, madness, genius behind a shocking act of self-mutilation that the world has sought to explain ever since.---------------------''Gayford''s fascinating depiction of the Odd Couple of art history is both moving and riveting'' Daily Mail''Profoundly absorbing. Gayford has reconstructed these tumultuous weeks . . . the reader lives them day by day, almost minute by minute. Delightful, utterly fascinating'' Independent on SundayTrade ReviewA drily witty, original and profoundly absorbing book * Independent *A wonderfully perceptive, revealing and touching book * Sunday Telegraph *A story of such fascination on so many levels . . . Martin Gayford tells it vividly, intelligently and intelligibly * Literary Review *Gayford's fascinating depiction of the Odd Couple of art history is both moving and riveting * Daily Mail *Gayford has reconstructed these tumultuous weeks . . . the reader lives them day by day, almost minute by minute. Delightful, utterly fascinating * Independent on Sunday *Masterly . . . a wonderfully alert and moving portrait * Mail on Sunday *Thoughtful and excellently unsensational . . . with clever flashbacks and pertinent historical asides * Sunday Times *Remarkable, erudite and thoroughly readable. Gayford has managed to piece together as much as we ever might in the most convincing way possible * Scotland on Sunday *A gripping read, and an art historical thriller * Country Life *

    2 in stock

    £11.69

  • The Renaissance

    Oxford University Press The Renaissance

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisMore than ever before, the Renaissance stands as one of the defining moments in world history. Between 1400 and 1600, European perceptions of society, culture, politics and even humanity itself emerged in ways that continue to affect not only Europe but the entire world. This wide-ranging exploration of the Renaissance sees the period as a time of unprecedented intellectual excitement and cultural experimentation and interaction on a global scale, alongside a darker side of religion, intolerance, slavery, and massive inequality of wealth and status. It guides the reader through the key issues that defined the period, from its art, architecture, and literature, to advancements in the fields of science, trade, and travel. In its incisive account of the complexities of the political and religious upheavals of the period, the book argues that Europe''s reciprocal relationship with its eastern neighbours offers us a timely perspective on the Renaissance that still has much to teach us todayTrade ReviewReview from previous edition a young Turk who likes to entertain . . . Brotton's book is full of arts and crafts . . .engaging and alluring . . .This is a Renaissance you can touch and feel * Sunday Times *energetic and committed agenda * Financial Times *offers some impressive fresh evidence * Independent *this is a Renaissance you can touch and feel * Felipe Fernandez-Armesto *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. A global Renaissance ; 2. The humanist script ; 3. Church and state ; 4. Brave New Worlds ; 5. Science and Philosophy ; 6. Rewriting the Renaissance ; Timeline ; Further Reading ; Index

    1 in stock

    £9.49

  • 2100 Victorian Monograms Lettering Calligraphy

    Dover Publications Inc. 2100 Victorian Monograms Lettering Calligraphy

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisEnhance scrolls, certificates, awards, and other graphic projects with elegant two-letter monograms from this comprehensive collection. Ideal, too, for use in art, needlework, and craft activities.

    1 in stock

    £9.49

  • Edgar Degas Drawings and Pastels

    Thames & Hudson Ltd Edgar Degas Drawings and Pastels

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisA beautifully produced literary art book that restores a collection of drawings and pastels to the heart of the life story one of the great artists of the 19th century now in paperback.Trade Review'Christopher Lloyd’s book delights and is terrific value' - Mature Times'An historic as well as critical study … comprehensively and excellently illustrated' - The ArtistTable of ContentsIntroduction • 1. Beginnings 1853–1855 • 2. Italy 1856–1859 • 3. History Paintings 1860–1865 • 4. Changing Directions 1865–1870 • 5. Confronting the Modern World 1870–1879 • 6. Retreat into the Studio 1880–1890 • 7. Landscape Drawings • 8. ‘The Dying of the Light’ 1890–c. 1912

    2 in stock

    £17.00

  • Art Nouveau

    Prestel Art Nouveau

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Art Nouveau movement became an international phenomenon at the beginning of the twentieth century that ushered in the era of modernity in almost every aspect of cultural life. For decades critics have argued that Art Nouveau was not an artistic period in its own right, but an amalgam of artists and styles that served as a bridge between neoclassicism and modernism. In this comprehensive, authoritative and copiously illustrated book, art historian Norbert Wolf explores Art Nouveau as a logical outgrowth of the historic forces in which it arose. This book focuses on the movement's wide variety of applications and reclaims its prominence in the pantheon of modern art history. Chapters on aesthetics, spirituality and the cult of beauty offer luminous examples of works by Mucha, Gaudi, Hoffmann, Klimt, Horta, Munch and Tiffany, among many others. Wolf's text is both informed and accessible, providing an exciting narrative that brings the Art Nouveau movement into clear focus. Beautifully produced to appeal to a wide range of readers, this new edition gives one of the world's most popular styles the serious consideration it deserves.Trade Review"The Art Nouveau movement covered it all--decorative arts, architecture, fashion, dance, advertising and more--and this book seeks to restore the movement's prominence in the discussion of modern art." -Los Angeles Times, 12/4/11 "The book explores the origins of art nouveau, possible theories as to its demise, and the all-important quandary that has plagued art historians for over a century: Is art nouveau a true artistic period?" -The Washington Post, 12/11/11 "Tall, narrow, with an elegant linear design like that of the aesthetic it celebrates, this book is a gorgeous object, with top-quality reproductions. Norbert Wolf's commentary is provocative, broad and deep, illuminating links between artists, architects and designers as diverse as Munch and Mondrian, Gaudi and Galle." -Jackie Wullschlager, Financial Times, 11/26/11

    1 in stock

    £28.00

  • Fashion in the 1970s

    Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Fashion in the 1970s

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe 1970s was a decade of style contrasts: every extreme of fashion was met by an equally trendy opposite reaction. Ankle-length maxi skirts vied for attention with super-short hot-pants. Outfits in vibrant prints and obviously man-made fabrics contrasted with subtly-coloured ensembles in wool jerseys and silky crepes. Delicate floral cottons, hand-knits and hand-tooled leather came up against boldly synthetic and plastic looks perched atop platform shoes – for men and women alike. More so than at any other time, fashion looked backwards in order to dress the future with quirkily ironic retro looks, while alternative street-style movements such as Punk used appearance to startle and challenge the establishment. In this book, Daniel Milford-Cottam uses colourful photographs to illustrate an eye-opening introduction to the bold fashions that still have such resonance today.Table of ContentsIntroduction Looking Back Towards the Future The Material World She's All That in His Satin and Tat Abigail Goes to a Party Epilogue: Entering the Eighties Further Reading Places to Visit Index

    1 in stock

    £8.54

  • How to Read Islamic Calligraphy

    Metropolitan Museum of Art How to Read Islamic Calligraphy

    Book SynopsisAn accessible introduction to the quintessential art form of the Islamic worldHow to Read Islamic Calligraphy explores the preeminence of the written word as a means of creative expression throughout the Islamic world. Aimed at a general audience, the book introduces all five major Islamic calligraphic script types, demonstrates their distinctive visual characteristics, and explains the various contexts in which each one came to be used, whether for transcribing the Qur’an, composing poetry, or issuing written edicts from the sultan’s court. Numerous examples illustrate how the transmission of these styles and techniques from master to pupil was fundamental to the flourishing of Islamic calligraphy, and handwriting models from as early as the 10th century continue to inspire students of calligraphy today. Superbly illustrated, the works discussed include manuscripts, glass, metalware, and ceramic tiles. This accessible and engaging book traces the progression of calligraphic styles over centuries and across geographical regions, affirming the spectacular range of creative possibilities afforded by this unique art form.Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University PressTrade Review “An accessible introduction to the quintessential art form of the Islamic world, the book explores the preeminence of the written word as a means of creative expression throughout the Islamic world.” — Asian Art Newspaper

    £18.95

  • Art of Renaissance Florence: A City and Its

    Laurence King Publishing Art of Renaissance Florence: A City and Its

    3 in stock

    Book Synopsis''Nethersole''s thought-provoking analysis reaffirms how crucial Florentine art was to the dissemination of Renaissance ideas throughout the Italian peninsula and far beyond.'' The Art NewspaperIn this vivid account Scott Nethersole examines the remarkable period of cultural, artistic and intellectual blossoming in Florence from ca.1400 to 1520 - the period traditionally known as the Early and High Renaissance. He looks at the city and its art with fresh eyes, presenting the well-known within a wider context of cultural reference. Key works of art - from painting, sculpture and architecture to illuminated manuscripts - by artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, Botticelli and Brunelleschi are showcased alongside the unexpected and less familiar.

    3 in stock

    £27.00

  • Racinet. The Complete Costume History

    Taschen GmbH Racinet. The Complete Costume History

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisOriginally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was in its day the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted. Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail. This TASCHEN reprint presents Racinet’s exquisitely precise color illustrations, as well as his delightful descriptions and often witty commentary. Spanning everything from ancient Etruscan attire to French women’s couture, material is arranged according to Racinet’s original plan by culture and subject. As expansive in its reach as it is passionate in its research and attention to detail, Racinet's Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style.

    3 in stock

    £57.00

  • An Atlas of Es Devlin

    Thames & Hudson Ltd An Atlas of Es Devlin

    7 in stock

    Book SynopsisTrade Review'Modern Britain’s answer to Leonardo da Vinci' - Sunday Times'Category-defying... An exquisitely produced and immersive artwork in itself, containing photographs, texts, foldouts, pullouts, translucent overlays and cutout pages that reflect the intricacy and imaginative extent of Devlin’s processes, from concept to final iteration' - The New York Times'Sculptural … as much art object as art book, the 900-page tome gorgeously layers stories and interviews, pull-outs of sketches, playing with cut-outs over images as it maps each set from concept to realisation' - Vogue'An exquisitely designed gift book that keeps giving. Nine hundred pages open to offer fold-out sculptures, fragile little paintings, paper cuts, mechanical models, mirrors. They distil in miniature the genre-bending kinetic creations of the artist and designer who has set the stage for Beyoncé and Adele; experimental opera and the London Olympics; Trevor Nunn and AI poetry recitals' - Jackie Wullschlager, Best Books of the Year, Financial Times'Hefty, multitextured … an interactive physical experience, requiring the reader to unfold sections, overlay others, skim and delve. Devlin’s aim with her work is “to restructure the human imagination”, and this book is part of that project … Amazement is her modus operandi – “The role of artists is to amaze people into changing their minds” – but she always returns to the primary text for her inspiration. Now she has created a primary text that will serve as inspiration for the rest of us' - Times LUXX'The book reads like one of [Devlin's] stage sets; that is to say, it’s an experience. Featuring cutouts, foldouts, various paper types and sizes, mirrors, and other materials, the 900-plus-page book shows Devlin is more than a set designer for flashy pop stars but also an artist, a sculptor, a poet, and an activist' - Fast Company'[Devlin’s] smallest-scale but most personal project to date … Part-memoir, part-monograph, the volume comprises her life story, favourite creations and conversations with collaborators including Virgil Abloh, Carlos Rovelli and Pharrell Williams, alongside exercises for the reader. There are shapes to cut out, pages to unfold, annotated scripts to read and mirrors to see yourself in' - Reference.Point'From the cardboard sculptures and paintings that developed into stage sets for the 2012 Olympic closing ceremony and the 2022 Super Bowl, to her activism, theater, poetry and more, this 900-page monograph traces ... Es Devlin's three-decade-long career across disciplines' - The New York Times Book Review'Despite its heft, the book's complex form...feels intimate and inviting... A surprising variety of translucent and mirrored papers, page sizes, die cuts, and other unexpected moments invite readers to pause and appreciate the object they hold in their hands. The ideas startle, provoke, and reward. Devlin searches for ways to provide dopamine hits. As with her designs for the stage, she invites readers to become part of a temporary society traveling through a rich, creative landscape of observing and feeling... An Atlas of Es Devlin is an immersive, joyful reading experience, an encyclopedia of creativity, and a tribute to the sculptural possibilities of the printed book. It gives form and substance to the artist’s philosophy of why she creates' - PRINT'Vibrant photographs of Devlin's stage and arena structures contrast with the simplest of doodles, and everything in between. There are booklets within booklets; there are holes to look through and ideas to imagine… 858 pages altogether, in which the entire expanse of Devlin’s world is mapped out (hence the title) in vivid color and sumptuous design... One of our most brilliant and creative modern artists comes to scintillating life before you' - Goldmine'An extravagant catalog, a doorstop designed by Devlin and Lipps with Thames & Hudson nearing 1,000 pages and containing thousands of words by the artist, herself a clear and generous writer … Documenting far more work than the exhibition - including her Damien Hirst-like LED cubes for Jay-Z and Ye - the book serves as both hatchling and egg … Sincerely interesting and aggressively tactile' - The New York Times, 19.1.24

    7 in stock

    £63.75

  • Looking to Sea: Britain Through the Eyes of its

    Hodder & Stoughton Looking to Sea: Britain Through the Eyes of its

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis*One of The Times Best Art Books of the Year*'Looking to Sea is a remarkable and compelling book... I loved it.' Edmund de Waal'In her first, transporting book, Lily Le Brun sweeps the beaches of the past century of British art, collecting treasures from sea, shingle and shore... A book to pack in your picnic basket for shivering dips, heatwave day trips and ice-cream Sundays' The TimesAn alternative history of modern Britain, Looking to Sea is an exquisite work of cultural, artistic and philosophical storytelling. Looking to Sea considers ten pivotal artworks, from Vanessa Bell's Studland Beach, one of the first modernist paintings in Britain, to Paul Nash's work bearing the scars of his experience in the trenches and Martin Parr's photographs of seaside resorts in the 1980s, which raised controversial questions of class. Each of the startlingly different pieces, created between 1912 and 2015, opens a window onto big ideas, from modernism and the sublime, the impact of the world wars and colonialism, to issues crucial to our world today like the environment and nationhood. In this astonishingly perceptive portrait of the twentieth century, art critic Lily Le Brun brings a fresh eye to a vast idea, offering readers an imaginative new way of seeing our island nation.'Le Brun's writing is at once bold and delicate, far-reaching and fine-tuned. Her book explores the inexhaustible variety of human perception.' Alexandra Harris'A smart and clear-eyed set of meditations on marine gaze, made with a painterly touch worthy of the chosen artists. Empathy and intelligence lift memoir into cultural history.' Iain Sinclair'Elegant and endlessly interesting . . . as much a rich compendium of social history as it is a hard consideration of art itself' CriticTrade ReviewThis history of twentieth-century Britain, refracted through ten artistic responses to the sea, is beautifully written - authoritative and questioning; scholarly, but also vividly insightful about bodies, private lives, feelings, the often-overlooked quotidian. -- Aida Edemariam, judge of the RSL awardsLooking to Sea is a remarkable and compelling book. It is both a wonderfully sustained mapping of the intersection between artists, writers and the sea and a meditation on belonging and displacement. I loved it. * Edmund de Waal *Le Brun's writing is at once bold and delicate, far-reaching and fine-tuned. Her book explores the inexhaustible variety of human perception. * Alexandra Harris *A smart and clear-eyed set of meditations on marine gaze, made with a painterly touch worthy of the chosen artists. Empathy and intelligence lift memoir into cultural history. * Iain Sinclair *An elegant scheme, beautifully written... From Alfred Wallis to Tracey Emin's Margate beach hut, this is an elegant guide to a century of seaside art... This book will give you sea fever. Pack your sou'wester, fill your Thermos, take a train to the coast. Read this sitting on the pier and see what you can see -- Laura Freeman * The TImes *Ambitious . . . accessible . . . a chronicle of British art, unfurled against the panoramic backdrop of 20th-century history * Sunday Telegraph *A carefully considered and enjoyable mix of biography, art criticism and personal reflection -- Chloë Ashby * Spectator *One for wild swimmers, beachcombers, wind surfers and all who like to be beside the seaside with a sketchbook and watercolour set. In her first, transporting book, Lily Le Brun sweeps the beaches of the past century of British art, collecting treasures from sea, shingle and shore . . . A book to pack in your picnic basket for shivering dips, heatwave day trips and ice-cream Sundays. -- Books of the Year * The Times *Held within a neatly conceived structure and based on far-reaching research, this book is not only about art but also about national identity, belonging and displacement. It churns with large ideas as well as persuasive arguments . . . Le Brun has an eye and ear for details that catch the reader's attention. She handles words with great skill and piercing thought -- Frances Spalding * Literary Review *Ten hallmark, water-themed artworks provide a key into reading the modern history of the UK and the 20th century * Monocle *A beautifully illustrated, meditative book for art lovers who also like the sea . . . This guide will make you long for salty air, sand and fish and chips. Pack the book and a flask of tea (or whisky) and head for the coast * The Lady *[A] rich portrait of our island nation . . . Le Brun has written a study of Britain imagined, Britain as it recently was, and of Britain becoming . . . elegant and endlessly interesting . . . as much a rich compendium of social history as it is a hard consideration of art itself . . . reading Le Brun's book will give you a renewed love for this place that sits apart -- Patrick Galbraith * Critic *Each chapter mixes biography with anecdote, cultural criticism with lyrical description and wider philosophical musing . . . Le Brun apparently uses the artists' own visions to comment on today's Britain, though in fact her own range often outstrips theirs -- Jan Dalley * Financial Times *

    2 in stock

    £21.25

  • Art of Fantasy

    Quarto Publishing PLC Art of Fantasy

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis beautiful, fully illustrated book presents a compendium of artworks throughout history which have been inspired by myth, fantasy and the unreal. Artists have explored imaginary worlds and fantastical creatures for centuries, expressing the unreal and impossible, the mystical and mythical, via the medium of paint. But what draws them to the imaginary, the uncharted and the unknown? Is it merely an escape from reality? Or are they seeking a greater understanding of the human experience, or perhaps the very meaning of life itself? With myriad styles and methods of expression, what links artists through the ages? And how have these visual flights of fancy and imagination changed over the course of time? The Art of Fantasy is a visual sourcebook of all that is fantastical – from fine art to illustration, and from surrealists and symbolists to the creatives working in undefined territories. WTrade Review"Profusely illustrated with museum quality, full color artwork, The Art of Fantasy: A Visual Sourcebook of All That is Unreal is an impressively informative and truly inspiring collection." * Midwest Book Review *"The Art of Fantasy is an absolute winner, a beautiful curation of fantastic art which brings together the mythical and modern, the beautiful and the scary, and the revelatory with the damning...I can't wait to see what S. Elizabeth brings us next!" * Juli Witte, A Universe In Words *"This is an excellent publication for those who run with the creatures of our dreams and play in the wonderlands of our imaginations." * San Francisco Book Review *Table of Contents Introduction PART ONE Beasts & Beings I. Creatures Great & Small II. Almost Human III. Impossible Monsters PART TWO Quest for Knowledge IV. In Our Dreams V. Magic is Real VI. Faith & Philosophy PART THREE Worlds Apart VII. Forgotten Realms & Wonderlands VIII. Time Travel, Alternate Histories & Parallel Universes IX. How to Save the World Further reading Index Picture credits Acknowledgements

    2 in stock

    £18.70

  • Käthe Kollwitz

    Hirmer Verlag Käthe Kollwitz

    3 in stock

    Book Synopsis“I want to have an effect at this time, in which people are at such a loss and so much in need of help.” Käthe Kollwitz is the woman artist from 20th-century Germany whose works are best-known internationally. She also enjoys the highest esteem beyond the boundaries of Europe. The inimitable, touching language of her graphic and sculptural works is universally understood and her haunting message is more topical than ever. Outraged at the societal and social ills of her time, Kollwitz devoted herself throughout her life to the representation of people, giving a voice through her works to the distress and grief of the poor and underprivileged. Equally inspired in both expression and artistic execution, she took up topics like parting and death, peace and the sufferings of war. Her intimate portrayal of mothers and children and her self-portraits are full of strength and beauty. They, too, form part of Käthe Kollwitz’s oeuvre and show how multi-faceted her creative works were.

    3 in stock

    £9.95

  • Arne Jacobsen

    Yale University Press Arne Jacobsen

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £45.00

  • Beware of the Woman Artist

    Prestel Beware of the Woman Artist

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisTraversing decades and continents, these fifty gorgeously illustrated profiles celebrate pioneering women who at once fought against and transformed the male-dominated artistic establishment of their time.From mystic and groundbreaking color theorist Hilma af Klimt to the multi-disciplinary storyteller Megan Rooney, this thoughtfully curated and stunningly illustrated collection celebrates the rich tapestry of creativity and perseverance of women artists of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Organized chronologically by year of birth, this book features multi-page spreads that include an introductory text accompanied by dazzling full-color reproductions of each artist's work. Readers will discover the enormous variety of contributions from women of color such as Elizabeth Catlett, Saloua Raouda Choucair, Bertina Lopes, and Faith Ringgold; women from non-western cultures, including Kubra Khademi, Irene Chou, Zarina, Wook-Kyung Choi, and Nairy Bag

    Out of stock

    £25.50

  • The Manchester Art Book

    Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Manchester Art Book

    Book SynopsisA remarkable collection of artworks that shine a light on the city's grand edifices, quirky nooks, hidden quarters and modern architecture with equal affection and pride.

    £15.29

  • Hirmer Verlag Agnes Pelton

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisThe spiritually inspired pictures of Agnes Pelton (1881–1961) have their roots in the desert of California, a place where the artist settled in 1932 and where she lived until her death. She wrote of her highly symbolic paintings that her pictures were “like little windows”, which opened up a view into the interior, her “message of light to the world”. In the 1920s Agnes Pelton started to explore abstract painting, because this offered her the possibility of translating esoteric topics into pictures as well as interpreting earth and light in a spiritual way. Like her fellow-artist Georgia O’Keeffe, Pelton deliberately turned her back on the art scene of the East Coast. She was celebrated for her abstract compositions: “… it is simply an oasis of beauty for the eye”, was how American Art News eulogised her work. After her death Pelton’s work disappeared from the public focus for a long time; today her important artistic contribution to American modernism is acknowledged once more.

    Out of stock

    £10.76

  • Tudor Textiles

    Yale University Press Tudor Textiles

    Book SynopsisA detailed study of Tudor textiles, highlighting their extravagant beauty and their impact on the royal court, fashion, and taste.Trade Review“The book shines the most when it presents new and exciting research into surviving pieces such as the Bacton Altar Cloth. Non-specialist readers will find the material they encounter very thorough and will leave with a better understanding of the role of textiles in the Tudor courts, and those who are specialists will still find this a useful guide to the major topics in this area of study.”—Sarah A. Bendall, Parergon (Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Association for Medieval and Early Modern Studies)“Altogether there is so much to recommend this book: Eleri Lynn has carved an immensely enjoyable read out of her impressive, holistic survey of the Tudor period and its love affair with textiles.”—Embroidery magazine“If you’re a history lover, an enthusiast for historical textiles, if you are curious about the Tudor period and the royalty and palaces from that era, if you’re into art history—you’ll love this book!”—Mary Corbet, Needle ’n Thread magazine“[F]ull of detail and evidence that may not have been drawn together in a book before.”—HALI magazine“Deftly told [and] nicely illustrated.”—Fisun Güner, Art Quarterly“Dress expert Eleri Lynn’s lavishly illustrated volume Tudor Textiles shines a light on the dazzling beauty and extravagance of court fashion and decor. In raiding the sumptuous Tudor royal wardrobe, Lynn has uncovered some real gems.”—Tracy Borman, BBC History Magazine, “Best Books of 2020”“Eleri Lynn’s sumptuous new book and her careful and wide-ranging research offer the reader a glimpse of this vibrant, colourful world.”—Maria Hayward, Burlington Magazine

    £26.12

  • Vogue Essentials Lingerie

    Octopus Books Vogue Essentials Lingerie

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis''From silk slips to bondage bras and Kate Moss'' barely-there vest top - the evolution of lingerie over 100 years of Vogue''s history is revealed in a stunning new book.'' - Mail Online ''Lingerie is what comes nearest to a woman''s heart and naturally it gives her more real and intimate satisfaction than any other part of her wardrobe.'' - Vogue, 1918Images of lingerie have been showcased in British Vogue since its launch in 1916. They demonstrate more than just changing fashion; they serve as a commentary on ideas of propriety, the progress of female emancipation and technological advancements as well as ever-changing ideals of the female silhouette and concepts of beauty.Divided into categories of Stretch & Go, Pretty Things, Under Control and After Dark, Vogue Essentials: Lingerie explores the evolution of lingerie over the 100 years of Vogue''s history, commenting on changing fashions, influence on popular culture, the psychology of lingerie and its role as a liberator, accompanied by more than 100 images from the British Vogue archive.Part of an irresistible series from Conran Octopus and British Vogue explores the key pieces in a stylish woman''s wardrobe and features photographs from Vogue''s peerless archive of more than a million pictures.

    2 in stock

    £14.25

  • Painting Her Pleasure

    Manchester University Press Painting Her Pleasure

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisPainters Marie Vassilieff, Émilie Charmy and Suzanne Valadon explored sexuality and questioned gender identity. Working in early twentieth-century Paris, these women contravened social mores, challenged traditional and avant-garde artistic practices and partook in the making of the modern nude. -- .

    2 in stock

    £23.75

  • Scribble Scribble Scribble

    Vintage Publishing Scribble Scribble Scribble

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisPassionate, provocative, entertaining and informative, Scribble, Scribble, Scribble ranges far and wide: from cookery and family to Barack Obama, from preaching and Shakespeare to Victorian sages, from Charlotte Rampling and Hurricane Katrina to ''The Fate of Eloquence in the Age of The Osbournes''.Trade ReviewThe most stimulating and surprising writing here is on cooking and eating... Diverting personal history * Daily Telegraph *Wilfully miscellaneous but addictively readable volume... He is clever, versatile and extremely likeable -- John Sutherland * Financial Times *This sparkling, effervescent collection bridges the gap between scholarly and popular writing... It is excellent holiday reading: dip into this between the sea and the bar and you will find a subtle and amusing companion -- Richard Ormrod * The Spectator *Entrancing... A bedside book of rich insights... Enjoy -- Peter Preston * The Observer *His eloquence is on magnificent display in this new book: a delightful collection of journalistic essays... The length of his book, overflowing with purple prose (though very rarely at the cost of substance), demonstrates that, often, Schama does not know when to stop. But in this case, maybe that is not such a bad thing -- James Grant * The Independent on Sunday *

    2 in stock

    £15.29

  • Leonardo Da Vinci

    Penguin Books Ltd Leonardo Da Vinci

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisCharles Nicholl's previous publications include The Reckoning: The Murder of Christopher Marlowe (winner of the James Tait Black Prize for Biography), Somebody Else: Arthur Rimbaud in Africa (Winner of the Hawthornden Prize), The Fruit Palace and The Creature in the Map.

    2 in stock

    £17.09

  • The Lamp of Memory

    Penguin Books Ltd The Lamp of Memory

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisJohn Ruskin overturned Victorian society's ideas about art and architecture, arguing that ancient buildings must be conserved for their deep, mystical links with the past and that creative design is essential not for financial gain, but to communicate eternal human truths. Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.

    2 in stock

    £7.59

  • The Andy Warhol Diaries

    Penguin Books Ltd The Andy Warhol Diaries

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisNOW A MAJOR NETFLIX SERIES''His last great work of art'' Nicholas Lezard, Guardian''Cruel, sexy, and sometimes heartbreaking ... Warhol is no neutral observer, but a character in his own right'' Newsweek Andy Warhol kept these diaries faithfully from November 1976 right up to his final week, in February 1987. Written at the height of his fame and success, Warhol records the fun of an Academy Awards party, nights out at Studio 54, trips between London, Paris and New York, and surprisingly even the money he spent each day, down to the cent. With appearances from and references to everyone who was anyone, from Jim Morrison, Martina Navratilova and Calvin Klein to Shirley Bassey, Estee Lauder and Muhammad Ali, these diaries are the most glamorous, witty and revealing writings of the twentieth century.Edited with an Introduction by Pat HackettTrade ReviewCruel, sexy, and sometimes heartbreaking ... Warhol is no neutral observer, but a character in his own right * Newsweek *A guilty pleasure, famed for their celebrity anecdotes, their triviality, their lack of engagement...The 90s bestseller that no one admitted having read...In his diaries, as in much else, Warhol was way ahead of the game. -- Nicola Barr * The Observer *Diaries are his last great work of art, and no less valuable for having been created with even less visible conscious intent than anything else he produced....There's something about them that makes you strongly suspect that editor Pat Hackett has done a very thorough and sympathetic job...There is much to surprise, though...Warhol was a more amusing person, and a more human one, than the mask and blond fright-wig might have let on. The deadpan are by no means immune to human feeling, after all. -- Nicholas Lezard * The Guardian *

    1 in stock

    £15.29

  • Contemporary Art

    Oxford University Press Contemporary Art

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisContemporary art has never been so popular - but the art world is changing. Julian Stallabrass explores new movements in contemporary art, from the rise of super-rich private collectors, and increasing globalisation which has expanded a formerly Western-centric focus, to the advent of the artist as a 'brand'.Table of Contents1: A zone of freedom? 2: New world order 3: Consuming culture 4: Uses and prices of art 5: The rules of art now 6: Contradictions Further reading Index

    3 in stock

    £9.49

  • University of Chicago Press Opera and the Built Environment

    £22.80

  • Penguin Books Ltd Monet

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisThe Art Book of the Year, The TimesA Telegraph, Sunday Times, Financial Times, Economist, Tablet and Evening Standard Book of the YearA magnificent new biography of the founder of ImpressionismIn the course of a long and exceptionally creative life, Claude Monet revolutionized painting and made some of the most iconic images in western art. Misunderstood and mocked at the beginning of his career, he risked everything to pursue his original vision. Although close to starvation when he invented impressionism on the banks of the Seine in the 1860s-70s, in the following decades he emerged as the powerful leader of the new painting in Paris at one of its most exciting cultural moments. His symphonic series Haystacks, Poplars, and Rouen Cathedral brought wealth and renown. Then he withdrew to paint only the pond in his garden. The late Water Lilies, ignored during his lifetime, are now celebrated as pioneers of twentieth century modernism.Behind this great and famous artist is a volatile, voracious, nervous yet reckless man, largely unknown. Jackie Wullschläger''s enthralling biography, based on thousands of never-before translated letters and unpublished sources, is the first account of Monet''s turbulent private life and how it determined his expressive, sensuous, sensational painting. He was as obsessional in his love affairs as in his love of nature, and changed his art decisively three times when the woman at the centre of his life changed. Enduring devastating bereavements, he pushed the frontier of painting inward, to evoke memory and the passing of time. His work also responded intensely to outside cataclysms - the Dreyfus Affair, the First World War. Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau was his closest friend. Rich intellectual currents connected him to writers from Zola to Proust; affection and rivalry to Renoir, Pissarro and Manet.Monet said he was driven ''wild with the need to put down what I experience''. This rich and moving biography immerses us in that passionate experience, transforming our understanding of the man, his paintings and the fullness of his achievement.Trade ReviewJackie Wullschläger's magisterial and utterly engrossing biography of Monet is a tour de force. Many of us know the painter but this beautifully written and meticulously researched book brings alive Monet as a man, and fundamentally changes our understanding and appreciation of his life and work. A triumph. -- Nicholas Cullinan, Director, National Portrait GalleryMonet is in luck, and so are we. The man who emerges from Jackie Wullschläger's pages is vulnerable, relentless, complex, believable. He has found a biographer who cares deeply for painting, and who tells his life-story always wondering, as we must, how Monet's pursuit of brightness became the grave, even tragic, thing it is. Only a critic of Wullschläger's gifts could make us look at Impression: Sunrise again and see the uncertain northern light in it. Her book is an utterly absorbing read. -- T.J. ClarkJackie Wullschläger brings Monet to life with thrilling immediacy as he moves via a series of terrifying leaps into the unknown from nineteenth-century naturalism into Impressionism and ends up, after a long and astonishing career, bringing painting to the brink of twentieth-century abstraction. This is a captivating biography of great emotional warmth, delicacy and pictorial intelligence - and so gripping I found it difficult to put down. -- Hilary SpurlingThis is a very thorough and enjoyable biography of a very great painter, perhaps the greatest of the nineteenth century. He also loved smoking. -- David HockneyA deeply researched and immensely readable biography that gives the reader a compelling and original understanding of the works and the life of a universally admired but misunderstood painter. -- Miranda SeymourThis magical biography ... is a suitably sybaritic book. Really you should read it on a terrace with a glass of something pink ... You come away with a clearer picture not only of Monet ... but a generation of artists; you understand Renoir, Sisley, Pissarro, Degas, Cézanne and the dawn of impressionism better for the light that Wullschläger shines on it all ... Usually when reviewing a big biography I feel relieved at the end. This time I felt bereft ... This is a book to be savoured like an orange candied in honey ... It's an intoxicating read. -- Laura Freeman * The Times *Wullschläger writes magnificently about the paintings … Years of looking, together with masses of original research, have yielded a richly detailed book that will be invaluable for years to come. -- Sue Prideaux * Literary Review *Jackie Wullschläger's rich and detailed biography..beautifully illustrated...has done Monet the service of turning him back into a rounded human being. -- Christopher Bray * Mail on Sunday *Wullschläger writes powerfully ... with [a] subtlety that characterizes every page of this immense, engrossing biography ... It would be hard to overstate the scale and ambition of the project. -- Ruth Scurr * Times Literary Supplement *It is a story Wullschläger tells with aplomb ... few have engaged so thoroughly with the journals, memoirs and rich cache of [Monet's] letters. Wullschläger uses these to animate a life of plunging lows and soaring highs...failures and successes, despair and happiness ... This, though, is not simply good history or good biography ... it is her deep engagement with Monet's art that makes this book such a pleasure to read. -- Honor Clerk * Spectator *Ground-breaking. * Bookbrunch *Magnificent. * The TLS Podcast *In a colourful new biography, Jackie Wullschläger reveals the tempestuous man behind the canvases ... Monet has found a sympathetic, skilled biographer. Ms Wullschläger has a gift for seeing and sifting ... This biography most excels when it explains Monet's paintings. * Economist *Eloquent and penetrating. This book has made me look again at familiar paintings, revisit well-worn assumptions about Impressionism, and given me hours of joy just savouring exceptionally well-crafted sentences and observations. * Financial Times Books of the Year *This bold and inspiring biography ..the first account of the Impressionist’s private life, and a work of impressionism in its own right. Jackie Wullschläger captures her subject in sun and shade and shifting colour. -- Frances Wilson * Telegraph *Enthralling ... Jackie Wullschläger gives us a portrait of Monet as full and as carefully calibrated as we could ever wish for. Part of its strength is that it embeds the life story so completely into the making of the art, painting by painting. Some of its finest moments show off some of Wullschläger's best qualities as a journalist, giving us the essence of a painting in just a few sentences, demonstrating with a few deft strokes of the pen, how it contributes to the ever-thickening skein of the ever-shifting moods of the Monet story. -- Michael Glover * Tablet *Fascinating. * Art Newspaper *The many currents of a passionate life flow through this superbly accomplished biography. * Telegraph Books of the Year *By delving deep into his correspondence and researching his life in detail, Wullschläger emerges with a strikingly different portrait of the artist. Passionate, edgy, prickly and unstable, her Monet, the unrecognisable Monet, is a powerful new character in art. -- Waldemar Januszcyck * Sunday Times Books of the Year *A beautifully written and insightful account of Monet, the man and the artist, and the first substantial biography in English. The author is art critic for the Financial Times and writes with intelligent sympathy for the man as well as insightfully on the art * Evening Standard Books of the Year *This fine study by the distinguished art critic Jackie Wullschläger sets the Father of Impressionism within the turbulence of late 19th-century France and the first two decades of the 20th century — revealing the upheavals of a complex private life as he moved from naturalism to impressionism... This critical and perceptive biography of a dynamic painter deserves to win prizes -- Bel Mooney * Daily Mail Books of the Year *Anyone who has followed Wullschläger’s amazing writing and art criticism over the years will probably not be surprised to find that her deep dive into the life of the great Claude Monet is both comprehensive and engrossing... a “tour de force.” And anyone who has marveled at Monet’s dreamlike waterlilies, haystacks, views of the Waterloo Bridge, or the Houses of Parliament will come away with an even deeper appreciation of him as an artist, father and husband -- Eileen Kinsella * Artnet *Exemplary -- Michael Prodger * New Statesman *Wullschläger's biography describes him excellently and makes shrewd deductions, while leaving a core of unknowability (of which Monet would doubtless have approved)... His true biography, as Wullschläger understands, is the biography of his art -- Julian Barnes * London Review of Books *

    Out of stock

    £999.99

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