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Thames and Hudson
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An intimate excursion, past and present, into the British ambassador's residence in Washington beguiles with its exceptional interior design, extensive horticulture collection, and politically charged history. Since opening its doors in 1930, the British ambassador's residence has been considered the premier diplomatic address in Washington, D.C. A cross between an English country house and a neo-Palladian plantation, the residence is a compelling but often overlooked example of the work of Sir Edwin Lutyens. In this book, Anthony Seldon and Daniel Collings explore both the genius of Lutyens's design and the rich history of Anglo-American relations that has unfolded within its walls. The house and its extensive gardens are lavishly illustrated by specially commissioned photography, while striking images from the archives bring to life events from its past. Through such prized events and the skill of successive ambassadors arose a building that helped create and then embody the special relationship. From Winston Churchill's rambunctious visits during the Second World War to the dark days of Vietnam, and the rejuvenation of the relationship during the Thatcher-Reagan period, this book takes the reader deep behind the scenes. |
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Cubism, often considered to be the seminal art movement of the 20th century, initiated a pictorial revolution through its radical approach to image-making, invention of the new media of collage and sculptural assemblage, and evolution towards pure abstraction. This work aims to reveal these profound formal innovations as integrally related to rapid changes in French society. It examines the movement's origins in primitivism and engagement with issues of race and colonialism, then considers the Cubists' responses to current anti-Enlightenment philosophies; the relation of Cubist art to the classical; the role played by gender conceptually and within particular careers and practice; collage had its interplay with cultural themes; and the impact of anarchism, nationalism and pacifism on Cubism's cultural politics. This is a comprehensive re-examination of Cubism in its wider social, cultural, political, scientific and philosophical contexts, introduces and re-frames the movement, covering the full range of art and artists from the movement's advent in 1908. |
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From nudes to landscapes, a wide-ranging retrospective of the work of Edward Weston, one of the greatest 20th-century American photographers. Edward Weston (Highland Park, Illinois, 1886 Wildcat Hill, California, 1958) began to take photographs at the age of sixteen and in 1911 he opened his first photographic studio in the town of Tropico in California. He became an increasingly important figure on the American art scene, so much so that in 1936 he was the first photographer to receive a research grant from the Guggenheim Foundation. In 1946 the MoMA in New York gave him a major retrospective, showing 300 works and thus definitively confirming him as one of the great artists of the 20th century. Often directly compared to painting and sculpture, Westons photography is the expression of a relentless quest for pureness, both in composition and in the almost obsessive perfection of the image. This catalogue published to accompany an exhibition in Modena, the first show in Italy for over twenty years, celebrates Westons extraordinary oeuvre with over 120 original photographic prints. |
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From style wilderness to height of cool, taxidermy has staged an extraordinary comeback. No longer confined to stately homes, stuffed animals are appearing everywhere from modern apartments to luxury department stores. High-profile artists have rejuvenated the medium and museums have dusted down their historic collections and put them back on display. Illustrated with stunning photography that explores this rich artform, past and present, this title is the most comprehensive and beautiful survey of taxidermy ever produced. |
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A History of Interior Design tells the story of 6,000 years of domestic and public space. This fully updated fourth edition includes a completely new chapter on twenty-first-century interior design and a heavily revised chapter on the late twentieth century. Interior design is a field that includes construction, architecture, furniture, decoration, technology and product design. This one-volume history weaves together these topics in a fascinating narrative that runs from cave dwellings and temple architecture, through Gothic cathedrals and Renaissance palaces, to the grand civic spaces of the nineteenth century and the sleek interiors of modern skyscrapers. Embedded in a social and political context, detailed discussions of famous buildings, from cathedrals to Koolhaas, are interspersed with investigations of the domestic vernacular — the cottages, farmhouses, apartments and city terraces inhabited by ordinary people. The new edition of this bestselling history includes over 50 new images and many previously black and white images updated to colour. |
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20th Century Type and Beyond provides a decade-by-decade analysis of the issues that have shaped the history of typographic and, latterly, graphic design. This book provides designers, students and general readers with an informed and accessible guide to the typography of the 20th century and the key questions that will shape typographic practice in the future. Subjects include the arrival of mass production; the birth of the art director; the appearance of the grid (and its subsequent rejection); the coming of non-print media and the launch of the Macintosh and its ushering in of a new generation of designers enfranchised by digital technology. Digital technology has brought about a revolution in graphic design and typographic practice. This substantially revised edition of Lewis Blackwells classic study brings the story up to date with an analysis of some of the remarkable new freedoms introduced by the digital revolution. |
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Works of art make a substantial contribution to cultural identification. When they are placed in a public place this function is enhanced. However the artworks also acknowledge other tasks: they figuratively announce content in their traditional role, standing as the image of a ruler or at least serve as decoration, while in the Modern period they become increasingly space defining or shaping. In this volume around 150 works present the history of this species of art. By referring to important contemporary works, the development of contemporary art in public places during the last decades, which dominates the volume with about 350 examples, can be traced. Succinct texts locating the work, the artist and the style, concentrate on what is special about the works and explain the effect they have every day on passers-by according to Paul Watzlawick's axiom that One can not not communicate. |
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In recent years, vintage handkerchiefs have been an unsung source of inspiration for many of the world's most exciting brands. This volume written by vintage clothing and textiles expert Nicky Albrechtsen, will appeal to collectors of printed textiles, fashion lovers and designers, and provide a visual feast for anyone with a passion for pattern. Over 200 beautifully designed handkerchiefs have been selected to reflect the magnificent array of printed designs that emerged between the 1920s and 1950s, a particularly innovative period in handkerchief design that produced small squares exploding with colour and pattern. The book comes complete with a short history of the subject, an analysis of the fabrics used, a detailing of the design characteristics of each decade, information on where to find and collect, and advice on conservation, storage and use. Organized for inspiration into 11 sections by colour, this is a fresh and covetable volume targeted at fashion professionals, designers, or a new young generation in search of old chic in new chic forms. Nicky Albrechtsen is also the co-author of the acclaimed Scarves (ISBN 9780500515648). |
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Born out of the drawingbuilding.org online archive, Architectural Inventions presents a stunning visual study of impossible or speculative structures that exist only on paper. Soliciting the work of architects, designers, and artists of renown-as well as emerging talents from all over the world-Maximilian Goldfarb and Matt Bua have gathered an array of works that convey architectural alternatives, by products, expansions, or critiques of our inhabited environments. Highlighting visions that exist outside of established channels of production and conventions of design, Architectural Inventions showcases a multiplicity in concept and vision, fantasy and innovation. |
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This is an exceptional selection of Lichtenstein's sculptures from 1968 to the end of the artists life, from early ceramic sculptures to large-scale public works. The planned exhibition at the Fondazione Vedova in Venice (Biennale Arte 2013) will encompass Roy Lichtenstein's sculptural production throughout his career, from the early 1960s through to the late 1990s, presenting his influential sculptural oeuvre in ceramic, bronze, wood, porcelain, steel and aluminium, as well as drawings, collages, and maquettes that describe the artists working processes. The catalogue, a major chronology of Lichtenstein's sculptures, not only documents is production practice from sketches and drawings to collages, maquettes, metal sculptures and large-scale interventions in urban contexts, but approaches Lichtenstein's work from the perspective of fabrication methods and industrial techniques. |
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Bruno Taut (1880-1938) is generally considered the leading housing estate architect of the modern era. Utilizing the latest architectural techniques and concentrating on the needs of the people who were to inhabit his buildings, he made a lasting impression on the housing construction of his time which is not simply reflected by the 10,000 flats built by him. This revised and extended edition presents the extensive catalogue of Bruno Tauts works. Each project is portrayed by means of texts, plans as well as historic and contemporary photos. Proven experts lead the reader through the creative work and life of Bruno Taut in several introductory essays that show him not only as a city planner, designer and social reformer but above all as an artist who therefore truly deserves to be honored as the master of colourful architecture in Berlin. |
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The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was founded in 1848. Their artistic beliefs were set out by John Ruskin, the art historian who ardently supported them. Their chief principle was truth to nature: that a painter should draw precisely what he or she sees, and not follow painterly conventions. They saw this as a virtue of painters working before the age of Raphael but subsequently corrupted in more sophisticated art hence the name Pre-Raphaelite and their admiration of Medievalism.The British Museum has an important collection of Pre-Raphaelite art which is in constant demand for international exhibitions. In particular, the collection comprises a wonderful collection of drawings by Pre-Raphaelite artists, including three notable albums by Rossetti and Burne — Jones; the Robin de Beaumont collection which includes all the most important Pre-Raphaelite illustrated books plus rare proof impressions; and 49 volumes comprising 54,000 proofs of prints published by the Dalziel brothers, the chief publishers of Pre-Raphaelite prints. Victorian poetry (notably by Tennyson as well as Rossettis sister Christina), novels and even childrens literature, with its tense mixture of hyper-realism and vivid fantasy, provided ideal subjects for Pre-Raphaelite illustration. John Tenniel, who was contemporary with the Pre-Raphaelites, borrows heavily from their work for his famous Alice in Wonderland illustrations, and the author offers a wide range of poetic and literary extracts to accompany these fascinating images. |
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So many creative businesses are run online these days. Whether it is used as an online shop, a marketing tool, or a portfolio, a good website is an essential tool for artists, photographers, designers, and makers from all creative backgrounds and disciplines. This community of people, in particular, needs the design and function of their sites to reflect their individuality and style. The Creative Person's Website Builder is the perfect one-stop shop for all their needs. Using WordPress, it takes them quickly and effectively through the process of setting up the website, giving them plenty of tips and hints to improve their style choices and to create the look they are aiming for. It also showcases a variety of approaches to creative websites, covering everything from the online shop to portfolio sites. And, to give the reader the best chance at getting good ratings, it gives them a guide to the latest in search-engine optimisation and social media techniques. |
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At the Well, produced to coincide with an exhibition of Neo Rauch's (born 1960) new works at David Zwirner in New York, brings together both small and large format paintings that expand the artist's unique iconography of eccentric figures, animals and hybrids within vaguely familiar but imaginary settings. This oversized catalogue-designed in close collaboration with the artist-is anchored by 16 stunning plates and numerous 1:1 details that give viewers intimate access to these compelling compositions. Themes of rebirth and new beginnings abound: Rauch consistently creates characters who appear to be in the process of transformation. At the Well features an essay by art historian and curator Sir Norman Rosenthal, who presents a careful reading of Rauch's new work. The book also includes a reprint of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale The Young Giant, specifically chosen by Rosenthal to further expand his analysis. |
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30-Second Religion decants and demystifies the key beliefs, deities, origins, and iconography of the worlds major religions, denominations, and less widespread sects and cults. Whether you wish to understand the key differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, to glimpse the many gods of Hinduism, or to digest a potted Buddhist philosophy, this book is the quickest way to walk the paths and recognize the key signposts of the world's diverse and fascinating faiths. Travelling from Buddhism to Zoroastrianism, and including features on key religious texts, 30-Second Religion offers a revelation of 50 belief systems in less time than it takes to offer up a prayer. |
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From Chanels coastal couture to Westwoods piratical punk, from Jean Paul Gaultiers beefcake camp to Tommy Hilfigers preppy classics, this is the first and only book to celebrate nautical fashion and all its iconic looks. Nautical style has an enduring sophistication, and this volume is a glorious celebration of its perennial popularity, tracing the history of its trends and impact on the clothes we love. From the beaches of Cape Cod and Nantucket to the yachts of the Italian Riviera and the Cote dAzur, not to mention catwalks everywhere, the nautical look has cut a sartorial swathe for over two centuries. Amber Jane Butchart charts the rise and rise of the nautical influence on fashion over five chapters, each one devoted to an iconic maritime figure. Written in a witty and accessible tone, Nautical Chic is the definitive history of nautical fashion. |
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Bjork is a contemporary icon whose contributions to music, video, film, fashion and art have influenced a generation worldwide. Here, now, is the ultimate celebration of this multimillion-selling superstar. Designed by top design studio M/M (Paris) as a slipcased world of wonders, this publication which accompanies springs exhibition on Bjork at The Museum of Modern Art is composed of six parts: four booklets, a paperback and a poster. Each booklet contains illustrated texts by, respectively, Klaus Biesenbach, Alex Ross, Nicola Dibben and Timothy Morton, while the poster features artwork of Bjorks albums and singles. The main book focuses on her seven major albums Debut, Post, Homogenic, Vespertine, Medulla, Volta and Biophilia and the personas created for each one. Poetic texts by longtime collaborator, Icelandic poet Sjon, are accompanied by shots of Bjork performing live; multiple stills from music videos made by directors including Michel Gondry, Chris Cunningham and Spike Jonze; images of Bjork in breathtaking costumes by designers such as Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chalayan; and shots by star photographers such as Nan Goldin, Juergen Teller, Stephane Sednaoui, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, and Araki. All combine to form an extraordinary visual masterpiece, celebrating the magical world of Bjork. |
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Every artist, beginner or expert, is inspired by the work of the great artists that have gone before, and one of the most enjoyable ways to learn painting is to study their work in detail. This new series unlocks the secrets of some of the most inspirational painters of all time, revealing their techniques and giving todays artists the confidence and skills they need to take their work to the next level. Paint Like Renoir is the second book in the series, following Paint Like Degas. Oil paint has tremendous versatility, from the dilute and transparent glaze, or wash, through to the thick impasto mark. Renoir employed the whole range of paint qualities and this is one of the most valuable reasons for studying his work. |
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The revolutionary art and design of the early twentieth century produced textiles, particularly carpets, of extraordinary vitality. First the flourishing Art Deco movement spread bold patterns across Europe and America, before giving way to sophisticated Modernist abstractions influenced by Bauhaus, Cubism, and collage. In just a few decades carpet design was transformed into a showcase of the avant-garde, as legendary artists and designers such as Picasso, Poiret, Gray, Delaunay, and Klee created dazzling, influential works of art still valued greatly today. Beautifully and extensively illustrated, Carpets of the Art Deco Era charts the evolution of carpet design during the period, celebrating the results of a particularly rich era in the decorative arts. An important visual survey for any textile arts shelf, this volume is now available again in a compact, accessible format. |
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Athanasius Kircher (1602-80) was acknowledged to be the most learned man of his age. By profession a Jesuit priest, he made himself an authority on every subject under (and above) the sun and published the results of his researches in over thirty lavishly illustrated volumes in Latin. His museum in Rome was famous and visited by everybody in the world of learning. Inevitably, his work has been superseded in most areas of study, but he remains a key figure in the history of ideas and in recent years there has been a revival of interest, in which Joscelyn Godwin has played a leading role. But while every other aspect of his thought has been studied, the fascinating engravings with which he illustrated his ideas have been largely ignored. This book fills that gap. It is divided into 15 chapters grouped by the engravings subject; these illustrations reveal his singular mind and the way he was drawn to mysticism and magic. |
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