Description

Book Synopsis
To celebrate the acquisition of the Tom Phillips archive, the Bodleian Library has asked the artist to assemble and design a series of books drawing on his themed collection of over 50,000 photographic postcards. These encompass the first half of the twentieth century, a period in which, thanks to the ever cheaper medium of photography, ‘ordinary’ people could afford to own their portraits. Readers shows people reading (or pretending to read) a wide variety of material from the Bible to Film Fun, either in the photographer’s studio, in their own home or holidaying on the beach. This book contains 200 images chosen with the eye of a leading artist from a visually rich vein of social history. Their covers will also feature a thematically linked painting, especially created for each title, from Tom Phillips’ signature work, A Humument.

Trade Review
'An important contribution to social history and visual culture.' * Visual Studies *

Readers: Vintage People of Photo Postcards

    Product form

    £9.50

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £10.00 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 7 Jul 2026.

    A Hardback by David Lodge, Tom Phillips

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Readers: Vintage People of Photo Postcards by David Lodge

      Publisher: Bodleian Library
      Publication Date: 22/12/2010
      ISBN13: 9781851243594, 978-1851243594
      ISBN10: 1851243593
      Also in:
      Photography and photographs

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      To celebrate the acquisition of the Tom Phillips archive, the Bodleian Library has asked the artist to assemble and design a series of books drawing on his themed collection of over 50,000 photographic postcards. These encompass the first half of the twentieth century, a period in which, thanks to the ever cheaper medium of photography, ‘ordinary’ people could afford to own their portraits. Readers shows people reading (or pretending to read) a wide variety of material from the Bible to Film Fun, either in the photographer’s studio, in their own home or holidaying on the beach. This book contains 200 images chosen with the eye of a leading artist from a visually rich vein of social history. Their covers will also feature a thematically linked painting, especially created for each title, from Tom Phillips’ signature work, A Humument.

      Trade Review
      'An important contribution to social history and visual culture.' * Visual Studies *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account