Search results for ""Batsford Ltd""

An exploration of gardens through the ages and across the globe in 366 daily entries, from the ancient hanging gardens of Babylon to a vegetable plot on the International Space Station. In this fascinating and beautifully illustrated collection, garden writer Ruth Chivers presents a garden for every day of the year. It’s a sumptuous journey through garden history, design, horticulture, literary inspiration, folklore and poetry. From Sissinghurst to Versailles, from the medieval poem 'The Romance of the Rose' to the latest horticultural details of a rewilded garden, from imaginary gardens in literature to the real gardens that inspired Van Gogh and Orwell, here are absorbing garden stories for the whole year. Botanical paintings sit next to historic plans and the very best garden photography. The entries are annotated with intriguing facts and inspiring ideas, telling the stories of gardens past, present and even future. A true celebration of gardens, A Garden A Day is a beautiful and essential book for any gardener that brings home the wonder of these spaces to all of us.

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An outstanding colouring book of decorative letters from the hugely popular Maggie Magoo design house. This beautiful book contains two different illustrations of each letter from the alphabet, plus two different sets of numbers (0 to 9) and useful ampersands. Beautiful floral illustrations, with tiny minibeasts roaming around, embellish these initials and bring them to life. They are itching for a touch of colour and are ideal for any colouring-in fan looking for new, high-quality illustrations. Once coloured they can be framed to make great prints for bedrooms, kitchens, playrooms and nurseries. Whether you want to colour to indulge your creativity or relax with this perfect mindful activity, grab your pencils and pens and choose a letter than means something to you.

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SHORTLISTED in The Creative Book Awards 2024.A creative and beautiful book packed with inspiring ideas to help you capture likenesses and explore personalities in stitch, from a well-loved textile artist. Anne Kelly's evocative and nostalgic work often incorporates portraits – of friends, family, historical figures and even pets. Within these pages she shares her approach to textile portraiture, bringing in a wealth of different embroidery techniques, including hand and machine embroidery, quilting and appliqué, to render in cloth the nuances of facial expressions and the personalities of her subjects. The book covers: • Selfies at Home: making the perfect self-portrait in cloth. • Representation and Culture: how portraits have been used in textile art for cultural expression around the world. • Stylized Imagery: going beyond the traditional portrait into abstraction. • Place and Time: creating a sense of place with portraiture, sometimes incorporating photographs. • Narratives: how to create a fuller story using deeply personal ephemera and related imagery. • Pet Projects: immortalising your pets in your textile work. Beautifully illustrated with stunning examples of her own work and that of intriguing textile artists who specialise in portraiture from around the world, this is the ideal book for embroiderers and textile artists who want to introduce this often tricky subject area into their work.

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'A friendly and approachable book on a game which can often seem quite daunting ... An excellent book, highly recommended.' – Parents in Touch 'With Sabrina as writer, no basic points are omitted … This might make an excellent present.’ – James Pratt, British Chess Magazine A brand new edition of this international chess classic, with all-new illustrations. Aimed at children aged 7 and up, this character-based book is a complete guide to chess for those starting out in the game. In straightforward, animated language, Jess and Jamie – two rough-and-tumble kids who are obsessed with chess – explain everything you need to know, from first sitting down at the board to sneaky tricks to help you beat your opponents. The book explains who the pieces are and how they move (and that we're talking about pawns, not prawns), how to reach checkmate (or, in Jess's words, 'how to kill the king'), and the concept of the opening, middlegame and endgame. It also introduces the idea of chess etiquette – and explains why sometimes no one wins and a game ends in stalemate. Friendlier and funnier than the average children's chess book, The Batsford Book of Chess for Children is an essential addition to any child's bookshelf. Chess is experiencing a new wave of popularity in schools, and it's educational too. Organisations like Chess in Schools are promoting it as the perfect way to develop analytical thinking skills, increase resilience, foster the competitive instinct – and provide a lot of fun along the way.

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Introducing Britain's finest examples of brutalist architecture. Brutalist architecture is more popular now than it has ever been. Imposing and dramatic, with monolithic concrete exteriors, it forms an enduring part of our post-war urban landscape. This beautifully photographed book is an authoritative survey of the finest British examples from the very late 1950s to the 1970s, from leading architectural writer Elain Harwood, following on from her acclaimed books on art deco and mid-century architecture. It features iconic public buildings like London’s National Theatre, imposing housing such as the Trellick Tower in West London and Park Hill in Sheffield, great educational institutions including the University of Sussex, and places of worship such as Liverpool’s glorious Metropolitan Cathedral, along with some lesser-known buildings such as Arlington House on Margate’s sea front. Headed up with an introduction that places British brutalism within the context of global events and contemporary world architecture, the huge range of buildings is arranged into Private Houses and Flats, Public Housing, Educational Buildings, Public Buildings, Shops, Markets and Town Centres, Culture and Sport, Places of Worship, Offices and Industry and Transport, and there is a chapter on the atmospheric brutalist sculptures and murals that dot our cities. If you’re part of the increasingly large ranks of brutalism fans, or interested in late 20th-century architecture and society in general, Brutalist Britain is the book for you.

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Following on from the enduring success of one of the most important chess books ever written, Bobby Fischer: My 60 Memorable Games, and the recently released Magnus Carlsen: 50 Memorable Games, celebrated chess writer Andrew Soltis delivers a book on Fabiano Caruana, the Grandmaster set to rival current world champion Magnus Carlsen. This book details Caruana's remarkable rise from chess prodigy to one of the best chess player in the world, exploring how he acquired the skills of 21st-century grandmaster chess over such a short period of time. This book dives into how he wins by analysing 60 of the games that made him who he is, describing the intricacies behind his and his opponent's strategies, the tactical justification of moves and the psychological battle in each one.

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Harness the beauty of the natural world to create unique textile art pieces. Learn how to create beautiful textile art inspired by details in nature in this practical and inspirational guide. Acclaimed textile artist Marian Jazmik shows how to use unusual recycled and repurposed materials combined with traditional fabric and thread. Marian reveals the secrets of her lushly textured and sculptural embroidered pieces, from initial photograph to finished object. Exploring nature as a constant source of inspiration, she shows how to turn a chance spotting of lichen on a tree trunk or a scattering of autumn leaves into glorious textile or mixed-media art. Marian goes on to explore the myriad of techniques she uses in her work, including: How to begin with photography, homing in on details in nature. How to manipulate images to create microscopic and surprising detail. How to translate the images into 3-D work, using an eclectic mix of natural and man-made textiles, as well as unusual recycled materials otherwise be destined for landfill (packaging, plastics and household DIY products). Hand and machine embroidery. Dyeing, printing and painting. Using heat gun and soldering iron to create heavily textured surfaces. Packed with practical tips, inspiration and illustrated throughout with glorious examples of Marian’s work, this book will provide you with endless imaginative ideas for distilling the wonders of nature into your own textile art.

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Bestselling artist and writer Hazel Soan delivers a concise and approachable guide to portrait painting, with simple exercises and step-by-step demonstrations. Whether you are using watercolour, oils or acrylic, Learn to Paint Portraits Quickly explains the key elements of catching a likeness in portrait painting in a mixture of mediums. The book is filled with easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step exercises that can be digested in a short period of time, and written in an accessible way for all artists to learn about portraiture.The key elements of portraiture covered in this concise book include: ·Finding the likeness ·Creating form – the light and shade ·The facial features ·Painting the hair ·Skin tone and colouring ·The body, clothing and background Illustrated with Hazel’s magnificent, colourful paintings, and with practical advice and demonstrations throughout, this book is the perfect tool to help beginners master portrait painting – quickly.

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A charmingly illustrated ode to increasingly threatened wildlife. The much-loved illustrations of Hannah Dale celebrate a new generation of wildlife around the world, including many endangered animals. Born to Be Wild features 50 charming portraits of new cubs, chicks and calves, some with the mother and father, some in their pride or tribe and some setting off on their own. Wildlife has never been under such threat from climate change, habitation loss and poachers and hunters. This book is a timely reminder of the beauty of the wild and the accompanying text explains how the parents undertake their role of nurturer in the wild. From orangutans to humpback whales, tigers to hedgehogs, penguins to elephants, and meerkats to koalas, Hannah Dale captures and preserves the essence of wildlife in this pocket sized book. A wonderful reference and beautiful little gift book for nature lovers.

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Discover the rich creative possibilities of fragmentation and repair in textile art. Fragmentation and repair are two of the biggest buzzwords in textile and mixed-media art. In this fascinating book, renowned artist Shelley Rhodes explores both concepts, with a wealth of fresh ideas and practical advice. Drawing on her own practice, Shelley explains how she reconstructs and reassembles cloth, paper and other materials to create new pieces, often incorporating found objects and items she has collected over the years to add depth and emotional resonance. From piercing and devoré to patching and darning, techniques include: Fragmentation of materials, text and image. Repair using darning and patching along with pins, tape, adhesive and plaster. The Japanese concepts of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection) and mottainai (using every last scrap). Using salvaged and recycled materials, and repurposing household items. Methods of distressing and manipulating surfaces including weathering, abrasion, burning, piercing, staining and burying. Collage, working in a series and collecting fragments. Beautifully illustrated with Shelley’s own pieces alongside those of other leading artists, this fascinating book is the ideal companion for any textile artist wanting to bring notions of fragility, fragmentation and repair into their own work.

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A wonderful portable edition of Millie Marotta's Tropical Wonderland from the the Sunday Times and international bestseller Millie Marotta. Lose yourself in a riot of colouring in and drawing as you bring the exotic creatures and plants in Millie Marotta’s tropical wonderland to life. Millie’s intricate style of illustration encourages you to make your own mark, whether it’s to add to the fine lines on trees or add a splash of colour to the feathers of a tropical parrot. Explore the rainforest further and you will find extraordinary flowers, birds, butterflies and reptiles, including a rainbow boa with shiny scales crying out for a touch of colour. This book will bring enjoyment to anyone who is looking for a creative outlet or a mindful and relaxing activity.

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A wonderful portable edition of the Sunday Times and international bestseller Millie Marotta's Animal Kingdom. Millie Marotta is a hugely popular illustrator and her idiosyncratic drawings of the world's wonderful creatures will draw you in. The international bestseller offers a range of beautiful illustration to colour in, personalise and make your own. The artist's intricate style of illustration will get you itching for pencils and pen to colour in or add a touch of your own illustration, whether it's patterned birds, the flowing tendrils of a jellyfish, or the composite of flowers that make up a grizzly bear. You can colour her work or add your own line drawings to make it special to you. Add your own patterns to the lively forest scene, choose your own birds to add to the branches, or make a pattern with your colour choices. The images are guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing.

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A guide to transforming found and cherished textiles. Textile artist Mandy Pattullo shows how to source, refashion and repurpose vintage textiles to create beautiful collages and other unique textile objects. There are ideas for embellishment, stitch and appliqué as well as tips for transforming material into impressive quilts, bags, books, tablecloths, tapestry panels and wall hangings and much more. Following the make-do-and-mend and folk art traditions of previous generations, Mandy provides simple instructions for working with a variety of vintage textiles and precious fragments. There are projects for working with quilts, patchworks, linen, lace, wool and even deconstructing pre-loved garments. Each project beautifully demonstrates how fabrics and textiles can find a new and repurposed life and will inspire textile artists to incorporate these past beauties into their own work.

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"I don't regret for a single moment having lived for pleasure. I did it to the full, as one should do anything one does. I lived on honeycomb." Oscar Wilde Although it is over 120 years since his infamous trial for indecency, Oscar Wilde has never held greater fascination for us. This packed illustrated biography tells the life of Oscar Wilde through his own words – private letters, poems, plays, stories and legendary witticisms. It includes his relationships with key artists and writers of the time, including John Ruskin, Charles Ricketts, and Lillie Langtry. It is illustrated throughout with paintings, engravings, contemporary photographs, cartoons and caricatures of Wilde and his social circle. With illustrations and paintings by Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, James Whistler and Max Beerbohm, it is a beautiful evocation of the glittering fin de siecle word by its most fascinating wordsmith and aesthete. The book details Wilde's ruin after the trial and its outcome. The profundity of his writing from prison and exile form an epitaph, not only to his own life, but also for the era that carelessly delighted in it.

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A practical guide to painting nature's flora and fauna from award-winning botanical painting authors Meriel Thurstan and Rosie Martin. Recording the wildlife that surrounds us is an age-old art. The authors, in collaboration with the Eden Project, show us how to accurately and beautifully capture the natural world on canvas and make the most of the revival of this art form. Step by step, they take you through the whole process of capturing the essence of some of the most beautiful things on earth. From dinosaur skeletons and fossils to birds, butterflies and frogs. Learn how to paint the subtle scales on a fish, the iridescence of a feather or the lustre on a shell. The authors take you through the full range of skills and techniques you need to undertake natural history drawing and painting. Key techniques are explained with practical step-by-step demonstrations. Beautiful illustrations by the authors are featured throughout and will inspire you and illuminate the techniques you are learning. Painting Nature’s Details is a stunning book on an art form that is fast becoming the new botanical illustration.

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A unique collection of traditional stories about faeries, elves and goblins. Faeries, elves, goblins, leprechauns, brownies, spriggans and many other supernatural beings leap vividly off the page in this collection of haunting stories. Included are 25 stories drawing on folklore from the rich narrative heritage of Britain and Ireland. Marvel over ancient spells to summon faeries to your house, tremble at the shapeshifting powers of dangerous faery queens, lose yourself amongst the illusions of Faeryland and learn how to protect family members from the terrors of faery abduction. Interspersed with facts on faery folklore, these tales cover faery morals, elvish misdemeanours, the spells cast by goblins and the sightings of the creatures, as well as their dealings with mortals. With charming illustrations from favourite illustrators throughout, including Arthur Rackham, this book reminds us of the enduring appeal of folklore and mystery for all generations.

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The definitive book of stories from Arthurian legend. Delve into the enchanted world of Arthurian legends where you will meet the Knights of the Round Table, Wizard Merlin, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. With plots full of romance, adventure and enchantment, these fascinating ancient tales have been revived by the author to reflect their origins in oral history and will appeal to a whole new generation of readers. Stories include Elaine Who Loved Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Tristan and Isolde and The Enchantment of Merlin, many of which have recently been adapted in modern cinema and remain a fascination within contemporary culture. The book also features detailed notes on each story and mentions specific places in Britain with Arthurian links, including properties such as Tintagel. Beautifully illustrated with images inspired by Arthurian legend by Arthur Rackham and others.

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An engaging and witty puzzle book for science fans all over the world. The Astounding Science Puzzle Book features a series of mini quizzes of 10–15 questions on quirky topics, including 'Marvellous maths and peculiar patterns', 'Wonderful wordplay' and 'Wonders and fragilities of the body'. This handsome book makes exploring maths, physics, chemistry and biology exciting and challenging, and is perfect for any quiz lover. The trivia is based on science but also extends to popular culture, history and language – with Nobel Prize winners alongside Elvis Presley, and the moons of Mars alongside Jurassic Park. The book is interweaved with puzzles, including witty anagrams, logic puzzles, crosswords, dingbats and other illustrated puzzles. Aspiring code-breakers should keep their eyes peeled for hidden puzzles as well. From the Big Bang to Beatles lyrics – this book is perfect for any trivia lover.

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In the mid-1930s, three giants of the international Modern movement, Bauhaus professors Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer and László Moholy-Nagy, fled Nazi Germany and sought refuge in Hampstead in the most exciting new apartment block in Britain. The Lawn Road Flats, or Isokon building, was commissioned by the young visionary couple Jack and Molly Pritchard and designed by aspiring architect Wells Coates. Built in 1934 in response to the question ‘How do we want to live now?’ it was England’s first modernist apartment building and was hugely influential in pioneering the concept of minimal living. During the mid-1930s and 1940s its flats, bar and dining club became an extraordinary creative nexus for international artists, writers and thinkers. Jack Pritchard employed Gropius, Breuer and Moholy-Nagy in his newly formed Isokon design company and the furniture, architecture and graphic art the three produced in pre-war England helped shape Modern Britain. This book tells the story of the Isokon, from its beginnings to the present day, and fully examines the work, artistic networks and legacy of the Bauhaus artists during their time in Britain. The tales are not just of design and architecture but war, sex, death, espionage and infamous dinner parties. Isokon resident Agatha Christie features in the book, as does Charlotte Perriand who Jack Pritchard commissioned for a pavilion design in 1930. The book is beautifully illustrated with largely unseen archive photography, and includes the work of photographer and Soviet spy Edith Tudor-Hart, as well as plans and sketches, menus, postcards and letters from the Pritchard family archive. In Spring 2018, the Isokon building and Breuer, Gropius and Moholy-Nagy were honoured with a Blue Plaque from English Heritage.

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A beautifully produced book to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grade II listed brutalist icon, the Barbican Estate. 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the first residents moving into the Barbican Estate in London. This new book is a celebration of this unique complex – looking at the design of the individual flats as well as its status as a brutalist icon. Author and designer Stefi Orazi interviews residents past and present, giving an insight into how life on the estate has changed over the decades. The complex, designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, is now Grade II listed, and is one of the world’s most well-known examples of brutalist architecture. Its three towers – Cromwell, Shakespeare and Lauderdale – are among London’s tallest residential spaces and the estate is a landmark of the city. This is a beautifully illustrated, comprehensive guide to the estate, with newly commissioned photography by Christoffer Rudquist. It will show in detail each of the 140 different flat types, including newly drawn drawings of the flats as well as original plans and maps. Includes fascinating texts by leading architects and design critics, including John Allan of Avanti Architects on the unique building materials and fittings of the flats, and Charles Holland of Charles Holland Architects (and FAT co-founder) on the home and how these concrete towers have become such an integral part of Britain’s domestic and architectural history.

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A real gentleman knows that it is essential to be well-groomed, and while a bit of moisturizer will help, it is not enough. Our Butler’s guide is the ultimate source of information for looking pukka. It need not take long either, and this short guide cuts to the chase: skin care, including the best shaving techniques, hair care, from the mop on your head to nasal hair trimming, style guide (with tips on what to wear for what occasion), and taking care of your clothes and shoes. This simple valet guide will get you dressed to perfection to impress the ladies and the gents.

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Part of a new stationery range based on the bestselling colouring book Millie Marotta's Wild Savannah. A keepsake box containing 50 loose postcards of illustrations that feature in the bestselling Millie Marotta's Wild Savannah. Explore the savannah and you will find the crocodile and kangaroo, oryx and ostrich, dazzling zebras and leaping gazelles, all beautifully presented and ready to personalise with a touch of colour. These postcards can be sent just as they are to friends and family, coloured in, or even framed and hung on walls. These bite-sized cards of beauty can be used for a range of things but will delight anyone who receives one.

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This is the complete guide to pattern cutting for special occasion clothes: party dresses and eveningwear. With step-by-step instructions and clear, informative diagrams, Dawn Cloake shows how to develop the basic design blocks to create a wide range of designs, encouraging you to 'mix and match' elements to create your own unique garments. Special features include tips on combining pattern cutting with modelling techniques and advice on using stretch fabrics. Design elements include: sleeveless bodices, backless bodices, wrapover bodices, ruched bodices, flare skirts, full skirts, set-in sleeves, yoked trousers, jersey dresses, Empire line dresses, low necklines, wide necklines, draped bodices, close-fit skirts, godets, close-fitting sleeves, short sleeves, tapered trousers, bias-cut dresses, strapless dresses, hipsters, plunge necklines, asymmetrical bodices, strapless bodices, draped necklines, fishtail skirts, separate sleeves, jackets, high-waisted trousers, panelled dresses, backless dresses and waistbands.

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A compact book containing 30 postcards of illustrations that feature in the bestselling Millie Marotta's Tropical Wonderland. Explore the rainforest and you will find extraordinary flowers, birds, butterflies and reptiles beautifully presented and ready to personalise with a touch of colour. These postcards – that can easily be removed from the book – can be sent just as they are to friends and family, coloured in or even framed and hung on walls. These bite-sized cards of beauty can be used for a range of things but will delight anyone who receives one.

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A keepsake box containing 50 loose postcards of illustrations that feature in the bestselling Millie Marotta's Tropical Wonderland. Explore the rainforest and you will find extraordinary flowers, birds, butterflies and reptiles beautifully presented and ready to personalise with a touch of colour. These postcards can be sent just as they are to friends and family, coloured in, or even framed and hung on walls. These bite-sized cards of beauty can be used for a range of things but will delight anyone who receives one.

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A fun and interactive book packed with ideas and material for making collages. Create your own artworks and collages with this fantastic and fun book from print designer Lizzie Lees. Collage Carnival invites the reader to create a range of collage projects, from city scapes and travel journals using holiday snaps, to glitter-filled cards for friends. Mixed in with hints and tips for getting started are pages that can be coloured, cut out, customized, drawn on and embellished. There are pages filled with stickers and pages with gatefolds, allowing you to create your own collage masterpieces. Some pages are perforated so they can be pulled out and hung on the wall. Create your own collage carnival!

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The pleasures to be had from slowing down can be many, with connections to sustainability, simplicity, reflection, and tuning into traditional and other multicultural textile traditions. Slow Stitch is a much-needed guide to adopting a less-is-more approach, valuing quality over quantity, and bringing a meaningful and thoughtful approach to textile practice. Claire Wellesley-Smith introduces a range of ways in which you can slow your textile work down, including: Using simple techniques inspired by traditional practice (including hand-stitch rhythms) Reusing and re-inventing materials (reuse even old textile projects) Limiting your equipment Mending revisited (practical and decorative techniques) Project ideas and resources that help towards making a more sustainable textile practice Richly illustrated throughout, and showcasing work from the best textile artists who work in this way, this is a truly inspirational book for those looking to reconnect with their craft and to find a new way of working.

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Bias-cut Dressmaking is the best easy-to-follow guide to bias-cut clothes. It provides step-by-step instructions and diagrams for making over 40 items of clothing that are cut on the bias. The bias-cut technique is used by designers for cutting clothing to utilize the greater stretch in the bias or diagonal direction of the fabric. This allows the fabric to accentuate body lines and curves and drape softly. Bias-cut garments were an important feature of the designs of Madeleine Vionnet in the 1920s and 1930s but are now timeless. This classic text on the subject includes making skirts, dresses, trousers, eveningwear and even lingerie. You can make a halterneck evening dress, a cowl-necked shift dress, palazzo pants, bias-cut culottes, a cowl camisole, a strapless evening dress or a slightly flared bias skirt. The text is clearly written and laid out, making the beauty and the comfort of bias-cut clothing accessible to those not overly familiar with this type of dressmaking, including fashion students and amateur dressmakers.

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A unique and exciting approach to botanical illustration, this beginner guide demonstrates everything you need to know about capturing beautiful botanical specimens on paper. Each exercise guides the reader through a different aspect of botanical illustration, breaking the whole process down into simple, easy-to-follow stages. Whether you are a beginner looking for advice on composition and how to plot out your initial drawings, an experienced artist looking to develop your skills at colour mixing and working with unusual colours, or an old hand looking to capture more challenging and complex textures and shapes, there is something for botanical artists of all levels. Acclaimed artists Rosie Martin and Meriel Thurstan ran the popular botanical painting course at the Eden Project and have filled this fantastically illustrated guide with practical and inspirational worksheets, colour swatches, sketches and stunning finished paintings.

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Starting with the basic blocks for skirts and bodices (and also a jacket and trouser block), Gillian Holman shows you how to add the refinements, such as necklines, collars, sleeves, yokes, flounces, pleats, peg tops, pockets, and crossovers. Each design element is accompanied by sketches and patterns. It is a step-by-step introduction to the techniques of pattern cutting for fashion students and amateur dressmakers.

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According to legend, Dundrum dates back to the seventh century, when St Nahi founded his monastery here, and for centuries it remained a rural village on the edge of Dublin. However, large-scale housing developments in the last fifty years and retail advances in the last decade have led to extensive changes in the character and makeup of the area. Local historian and author Hugh Oram explores its history by contrasting forty-five archive images with modern photographs taken by Vincent Clarke. Accompanied by detailed and informative captions, each page provides a vibrant and important record of the changing face of Dundrum.

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At the darkest moment of the year, when the nights seem endless and the days very short, comes that most joyful of festivals. Christmas is a truly magical season, bringing families and friends together to share the much-loved customs and traditions that over the centuries have come to surround this heart-warming and deeply symbolic occasion. Each family has their own personal traditions, and ways they celebrate the special day. Yet underneath the tinsel, fairy lights and wrapping paper are many long-standing traditions that we all know and love. Why do we drag a fir tree inside our house and decorate it? How long Santa has been delivering gifts to good children? What would Christmas be like without mince pies? We owe a lot to the Victorians. They transformed the way Britain celebrated Christmas in the 19th century and we continue with their traditions today. In 1848 a British confectioner by the name of Tom Smith came up with the idea of wrapping sweets inside a package that snapped when pulled apart. It was the Victorians that really centred Christmas round the family, with the eating of a Christmas dinner together, giving gifts and playing games. All these things have become central to a British Christmas Day.

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The 1960s have gone down in history as the swinging sixties; when the permissive society swept the country in a haze of mini-skirts, psychedelic posters, pop festivals and ‘love-ins’. But what was it really like for ordinary British people? In this book, Mike Brown looks at some of the major aspects of living in Britain at the time; how we lived, worked and played, how we shopped, what we ate, wore, drove, watched and listened to. He looks at the stories and people who made the headlines; the mods and rockers, the ‘beautiful people’, but most of all, how ordinary people really lived and reacted to events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Great Train robbery, and the first moon landing. The book will bring back memories for those who were there, and, for those who were not yet born, it will give them an idea of what the 60s were really like.

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See below for alternative languages for this title An indispensable guide to help discover Cambridge, a city of both modern and ancient beauty whose rich history unfolds as you explore its ancient streets and buildings.This guide is based on two circular walks to show visitors the absolute best that the city of Cambridge has to offer, with extra diversions and places to visit for those who have longer to spend exoploring the city. Containing informative histories of the city and of individual buildings as well as modern-day attractions, the guide tells how visitors can enjoy the university colleges, where many great scientists lived and worked, and see the wonderful buildings, courts, gardens and unrivalled architecture of Cambridge. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, including other titles in our popular City Guides series. Also available in: Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian.

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Castles were introduced into England by the Normans in the 11th century, with more than 1500 built throughout England and Wales over the next 400 years. Colourful photos of castles now and artworks showing what they looked like centuries ago accompany informative detail about topics such as medieval castle life, knights and chivalry, and the castle as a home as well as fortress. Also includes a list of interesting castles to visit, including some National Trust properties. A book for lovers of England and her history. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

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Morriston has grown rapidly over the last 100 years. Though it was constructed around 1796, it was in the early twentieth century that it became a thriving industrial area. Spacious streets were built alongside a river and then two railway lines and a canal arrived. In later years the m4 motorway, a large hospital and the DVLA have all made an impact. In the fast-growing town, little exists to suggest Morriston’s history, but this book aims to give residents a glimpse into the town’s past. This absorbing collection of previously unpublished photographs from respected Morriston historian, André Scoville, sets the peaceful old town against the larger present-day town, and informative captions explain what events have taken place over the years. The book will interest anyone who lives, or has lived, in the area.

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Southend-on-Sea has gone through many transformations since its birth in the Middle Ages when a settlement of farmers and fishermen was established at the southernmost end of the lands of Prittlewell Priory. Having acquired the name ‘South End’, the area changed when the Lord of the Manor in the eighteenth century had a ‘New Town’ built along the cliffs to the west. The arrival of the railway in the mid-nineteenth century, and the subsequent influx of seaside day trippers, boosted Southend’s popularity and it quickly expanded into a large and bustling town. In this fascinating photographic history, Ken Crowe takes a fond look at his home town, exploring the changes to its streets through carefully chosen snapshots of Southend-on-Sea as it was in the past and is today.

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The Ruy Lopez is one of the oldest and most famous openings with plenty of attacking options for White and Black. It is favoured by world champions, such as Kasparov and Anand, and played successfully at every level. It is possible to understand and improve by knowing the typical themes and tactical combinations that have been discovered in recent years. Popular amongst beginners and advanced players alike, the Ruy Lopez is easy to learn but difficult to beat.

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Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, specially other titles in the Pitkin History of Britain series. Suitable for Key Stages 3 and 4 of the National Curriculum. More titles in the History of Britain Series

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Leading illustrator Millie Marotta has created a great collection of wall decoration stickers that could grace the walls of any home. Beautiful images, in Millie's inimitable style, can be added to walls above the sofa, mantelpiece, shelf, in hallways, on bookcases, stairs, tiles and mirrors. Millie's beautiful line work of flowers, birds, fish and foliage is loved around the world and will add charm to your home without any fuss or work. The stickers are easily removed from the book and stuck on the wall and will not leave a mark on the wall after removal. You can instantly get a sophisticated and consistent look for a room or whole home with these stickable works of art.

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Ever wondered how to fit the ironing into an already overcrowded schedule? Or needed advice on how to deal with house guests whose political opinions you abhor? In this charming guide, Her Ladyship dons the mantle of a modern Mrs Beeton to provide the answers to these pressing domestic questions, and many more. In her trademark lightly humorous but always elegant style, she discusses important issues such as day-to-day housekeeping and routines (exactly how clean do you need to keep your house?), dealing effectively but graciously with 'staff' (cleaners, au pairs, gardeners), how to avoid committing social faux pas when entertaining, and useful ideas for getting the children to help with the housework. The book is not aimed solely at people who live in large country houses, like Her Ladyship, but at anyone who feels in need of a bit of gentle guidance on running a home properly, whatever its size or type, while still coping with the demands of work, childcare and all the other perils of modern life.

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An informative and beautifully illustrated celebration of our favourite farmyard animals. Readers of The Country Set and Flying the Nest should dust down their wellingtons once again and come and meet The Farmyard Set. This handsome and lavishly illustrated gift book features 50 of farming's best-loved creatures, brought to life by award-winning artist Hannah Dale. Among them are old favourites, such as the Jersey cow and the Gloucester Old Spot, the Indian Runner duck and the Shetland pony, known for their charm and striking appearance. Descriptions and helpful facts illuminate these evocative paintings.

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What is the origin of the stories of the Round Table, of Excalibur and the Holy Grail, of Sir Launcelot and Guinevere? And where was Camelot? King Arthur’s name has echoed down the centuries, conjuring up rich images of mystery and power, chivalry and romance. But did he exist at all? There is no evidence to prove he reigned in the fifth and sixth centuries; no eye-witness accounts of his coronation and no reliable manuscripts outlining his deeds. This full-colour guide examines the facts of the legends in the tantalising puzzle of King Arthur and his knights. Learn about the origins of the Round Table, the cult of chivalry and conflict between knights, and Arthur's shape-shifting half-sister Moran le Fay. From the origins of Arthurian legend to the new phase in the Arthurian cyce in the romantic revival of the early nineteenth century, read about the tantalizing puzzle that is King Arthur. Look out for more Pitkin guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

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