Some of my earliest memories are of the picture books I was absorbed in as a small child. On my latest visit to my family home I rummaged around in the loft and found a few of these books. It was a bit like being reunited with an old familiar face as I poured over the same pictures that fired my young imagination and then featured in some trippy dreams back then. Being a child of the 70s, alot of the illustrations are in pretty vivid colour schemes and looking at them now, with an adult/ illustrators perspective, I see the quality of drawing wasn’t always that great.
There is an exception though and I wanted to share a few of the gorgeous illustrations with you here. The Bowerbirds isn’t one I remember for it’s story - though it is really charming. I loved the elegant watercolour/ pen and ink images by Margery Gill. A little bit of research reveals she died quite recently at the age of 83 and though successful, maybe didn’t receive the recognition she deserved during her career.
Enjoy my scans - in doing these I’ve broken the yellowing tape of a repair job from years ago. The images following them are from various vintage kids books sites. I may well track down a few copies for myself, purely for the illustrations!
Being a fan of art from the 1950 sand 60s, I had seen some of these incredible images before but I hadn’t made a note of the name until now. The vivid designs David Klein produced for TWA posters really represents the visual language of this era and perfectly captures the thrill and novelty of jet air travel at this time. You can read a full biography and many more examples to drool over here. For now I’d like to share just a few of my favourites with you.
I have decided that all proceeds from my etsy sales will now have to go towards purchasing one of these! I think they are all simply beautiful.
Oh dear - I’ve been slacking off again. it’s been a week since I posted last, sorry! I’ve had a bit of work on and have been getting myself into a couple of new galleries which I shall report on soon. For now let me share with you what has been my main vice and distraction whilst I’m supposed to be working on proper jobs: mid century property porn! The best site I’ve found for this has to be Retro Renovation. Just check out the stunning interiors - vast majority of best 50s/60s architecture is to be found in the states and if you click on the ‘time capsule’ links on this site you will see some real beauties.
I live in an early 1960’s block of flats and if I owned this place I’d be thoroughly absorbed in a renovation right now, taking it back to it’s roots: flecked linoleum, pastel shades, atomic decorations, Saarinen Tulip chairs - groovy! Stacks of cash necessary unfortunately - not only to buy this place but also because I would insist on original items. Ah well - I can dream.
As mentioned in the previous post, I was looking for a few references of vintage ceramics; the image below is one of the resulting illustrations. This is a theme I really love so there will be more to follow, also planning to do a few prints featuring vintage ceramics.
Whilst researching references for a recent illustration, I stumbled upon this perfect blog. It summerises all manner of mid century design in architecture, furniture, products and art inspired by this era. A load of goodies to feast your eyes on from Eames, Knoll and Saarinen among others. There are also a few very interesting films on there too - a perfect alternative to facebook for your tea break entertainment!
In the process of forming my Etsy store (it is coming along-gradually) I came across the delightful prints of missbrigette’s shop. These are all from original gouche paintings and collages and they sell at such fantastic prices too. Her style, colour palette and quirky subjects are all so mid-century and right up my street!
Art Angels have just sent samples of cards featuring a couple of my prints: ‘Satin Bowerbird’ and ‘Magpie’s Treasure’. I first heard of Art Angels when I picked up a set of cards featuring Angie Lewin’s wood and lino cut prints.
They’ve compiled a range called ‘Printmakers’ which focuses on British printmakers and these sell throughout the UK and US in design led shops and galleries. The quality of print is excellent with a subtle embossed finish - I’m really pleased with them and early reports indicate these are already getting a great response from stockists.
Another print ‘Winter Field’ is due to feature on cards later in the year plus a few pattern designs will be making an appearance on giftwrap.
The original silk screen prints of these and others are available at Boxbird, Soma and Castor and Pollux. C & P also stock some of the Jonathan Adler white ceramics you can see in the first pic!
I’ve just stumbled upon the gorgeous work of a fellow Brightonian. Designer Fiona Howard seems to share my love of the mid-century aesthetic with stylised natural forms and muted colours. There’s a touch of the Angie Lewin about these too - another of my favourite artists. I must get myself at least one of the mugs: I particularly like the Harbour design and if I were any good with a sewing machine I’d definately snap up a few yards of the fabric, available by the metre.
I’m one of many Miroslav Sasek admirers and I am trying to build my own collection of his series of illustrated childrens travel books. Each book gives a charming introduction to various cities of the world from a child’s point of view; what a great assignment.
The ‘This Is..’ series was originally printed in the late 1950s and into the 60s but you can easily pick up copies of the recent re-editions that Universe have published; I thought I would share a few snippets from ‘This is London’ with you. ‘Delicious’ is the word I keep thinking when viewing these illustrations!
I just love his loose ink washes combined with fine linear detail. He observes patterns, textures and characters beautifully and it’s clear that this illustrator is in his element when painting architecture. Mr Sasek is no longer with us, if my maths are correct he died in 1979.
This Saturday Tooveys Auction house in Washington, West Sussex are holding their annual contemporary art auction. I’m joining in the fun this year and have submitted a couple of my most popular screen prints. It all kicks off at 6pm, I’ll be there but I expect I’ll leave the room and cringe as we wait for the bids to come in (or not) on my pieces!
The event is open to anyone to bid and the estimates are starting at around the £100 mark, so you could bag yourself a bargain.
