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Reference
Books
Both dealers and collectors need good reference
books to extend their knowledge and to help in identification, dating
and pricing of antiques and collectables. Here is a selection of
some of the most useful divided into categories.
Art
Deco
Art
Deco 1910-1939
This new book, published to accompany
the Victoria & Albert Museum's new exhibition, is an essential
for the bookshelves of any enthusiast for Art Deco. It is full of
essays from leading experts on the subject and is will probably
become the definitive work on Art Deco worldwide.
Art
Deco Fashion
A companion volume to Essential Art
Deco, it looks at the full range of clothes and accessories
of the period and the work of some of the most famous designers.
Art
Deco and Other Figures
Read the review of this revised edition of Art Deco and Other Figures,
an essential for collectors.
Art
Deco Textiles
With it many full colour plates of individual
textiles accompanied by information on each one, this provides a
lovely reference work for anybody interested in 20th century textiles.
Authentic Art Deco Interiors
With a record of the outstanding room sets
and legendary designers, displayed at the Paris Exhibition in 1925,
this book is essential for all lovers of Art Deco. Find out more.
Christie's
Art Deco
This beautifully illustrated book gives
extensive information on the designers and manufacturers involved
in the Art Deco movement. It is essential reading for all lovers
of Deco.
Essential
Art Deco
Beautifully illustrated and reasonably
priced, this hardback book examines the influences and iconography
behind Art Deco.
Art and
Artists
20th
Century Art Series
The
six books in this series cover the period from 1900 to 2000 and
are aimed at the 7 to 11 age group - Key Stage 2. Find out more
about these beautifully illustrated and written books designed to
introduce young children to art.
Anonymous:
Enigmatic Images from Unknown Photographers
This new book, Anonymous, contains 200 photographs of unknown origin.
Some are beautiful, others shocking or amusing but most are mysterious
and intriguing. Read the review...
Art
History: A Very Short Introduction
If you are unfamiliar with the exactly what Art History encompasses,
this new book, with just 125 pages, provides an ideal introduction.
Artists
in Profile: Abstract Art
This lovely series of books is ideal for
introducing children to art. This one covers abstract art.
Artists in Profile:
Contemporary Artists
Aimed at 11 to 14 year olds, this Key Stage 3 book from Heinemann
Library provides an excellent introduction to the lives and work
of some of the leading figures from the world of contemporary art.
Artists in Profile: Pop
Artists
Also from Heinemann Library, Pop Artists, again written for the
11 to 14 year old age range, looks at the notable artists in the
Pop Art genre.
Artists
in Profile: Post-Impressionism
This lovely series of books is ideal for
introducing children to art. This one covers Post-Impressionism.
Artists
in Profile: Surrealism
This lovely series of books is ideal for
introducing children to art. This one covers Surrealism.
Creative Lives - Pablo
Picasso
Also from Heinemann Library, this book on Picasso is aimed at the
11 to 14 age group, Key Stage 3, and is again well written and illustrated.
Read the review.
The
Lamps of Louis Comfort Tiffany
Tiffany is perhaps most famous for his beautiful lamps with their
jewel-like shades. The Lamps of Louis Comfort Tiffany illustrates,
with some stunning pictures, 70 of them, some of which are unique
with only one known example.
The Language of Ornament
Over the last hundred years or so the fashion has been largely for
simple unadorned articles. The author of this book argues that because
we are unaccustomed to seeing ornament on objects, we no longer
understand it. This book aims to help us to appreciate and understand
ornament.
The Life and Work of Barbara
Hepworth
Here is a Key Stage 1 book from Heinemann Library that introduces
sculptor, Barbara Hepworth, to 5 to 7 year olds simply and directly.
The beautiful illustrations add to the book's charm. Find out more.
The Life and Work of Henri
Matisse
Aimed at 5 to 7 year olds, this Key Stage 1 book from Heinemann
Library on Henri Matisse is simply and well written, as well as
beautifully illustrated, making it an ideal introduction to fine
art.
L.S. Lowry - Two books reviewed
The two books reviewed here covering the work and life of this famous
British artist are 'The Lowry Lexicon' and 'Lowry's City'.
Margaret
Mee's Amazon - Diaries of an Artist Explorer
Margaret Mee must rank as one of the finest artist of flora
and fauna of the 20th century. She spent over 30 years of her life
exploring the Amazon and producing beautiful and botanically accurate
paintings and drawings of the plants and animals she saw there.
This new lavishly illustrated book tells the stories of her Amazonian
expeditions in her own words using her diaries.
Modern
and Contemporary Prints - A Practical Guide to Collecting
Anybody who wants to start collecting modern and contemporary
prints should read this new book that giving all the information
a new collector needs.
The Oxford Companion to
Western Art
This invaluable encyclopaedia on Western art covers every conceivable
aspect of the subject and is an invaluable addition to every art
lover's library.
The
Oxford History of Western Art
Find out how this new book gives fresh
insight into the effects that religious, political and financial
influences had on different period of art history.
Palace
and Mosque - Islamic Art from the Middle East
With all the bad news emanating from the Middle East, we sometimes
forget that it was the cradle of human civilisation. This new
book from the V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum) reminds us
that, over many centuries, art of great power and sophistication
originated there.
Two
Very Short Introductions to Art
Do you want to know more about art but haven't the time or inclination
to plough through long books on the various aspects of the subject?
If your answer is 'yes', then these two books from the authorititive
Oxford University Press provides the ideal introductions to Modern
Art and Renaissance Art, two very different subjects..
Jack
Vettriano
Jack Vettriano is one of the most popular artists in the
world, with reproductions of his work outselling Van Gogh, Monet
and Dali. This new book, with 100 illustrations of his work, provides
an overview with paintings from 1987 to 2004.
Interiors
The
Arts and Crafts Sourcebook
This beautifully illustrated book shows how readers can recreate
the Arts and Crafts style in their modern homes.
Brilliant:
Lights and Lighting
The V&A Museum has its first exhibition on contemporary lighting
from 12th February to 25th April 2004 and has also published a
book on the subject. Read the review....
Flea Market Finds - How
to Restore and Display
If you love browsing flea markets for bargains, this is the book
for you. It gives great ideas for imaginative uses for your finds
as well as practical advice on cleaning and renovation. Read the
review.
Innovative
Interiors
This beautifully illustrated book gives
ideas for creating a home suited to your lifestyle drawing upon
ideas from 40 homes around the world.
Old
and New - Combining Past and Present in Contemporary Homes
Find out how to combine old and new
furnishings in your home in this new book.
Vintage
Inspirations
This beautifully illustrated book shows
you how to use junk shop or fleamarket finds to add individual
personal touches to your home. Find out more.
Jewellery
20th
Century Jewelry The Complete Sourcebook
This
new book, 20th Century Jewelry The Complete Sourcebook,
is destined to become the definitive reference book on the subject.
Find out more.
Jewellery
of Tibet and the Himalayas
The jewellery from this region is so strikingly beautiful
that it deserves to be more widely known. Learn more about it
from this new book.
The
Jewellery and Silver of H.G. Murphy
H.G. Murphy was one of Britain's outstanding and most innovative
jewellery designer of the first half of the twentieth century,
and one of the most influential silversmiths of the Art Deco era.
His work ranged from beautiful and original jewellery to domestic
silver. Find out more about him and his work.
Starting
to Collect Antique Jewellery
If you want to collect antique jewellery, you need a good guide
through the pitfalls as mistakes can be very costly. This new
book is ideal for anybody who has just started to collect, or
plans to start. Read more...
Understanding
Jewellery
This lavishly and beautifully illustrated book, Understanding
Jewellery, not only provides good theoretical information
but practical advice for buyers too.
Miscellaneous
The
Antiques Roadshow
The BBC's Antiques Roadshow is probably the most popular and famous
antiques programme in the world. This new book looks behind the
scenes, at its history and some of the most memorable and important
objects discovered on the show.
Biba:
The Biba Experience
In the 1960s and early 1970s, Biba was probably the most fashionable
company in Britain. Find out about its history, its downfall and
then look at the specially commissioned pictures taken of one of
the biggest collections of Biba products in the world.
The
Book of Churchilliana
Whether you are interested in Sir Winston
Churchill as a man and important historical figure or you collect
Churchill memorabilia, this book is an essential addition to your
library. Find out more.
Chinese
Jades
Jades have long been closely associated with China and were used
to make everything from jewellery to drinking vessels. This new
book takes an in-depth look at the subject.
Design
and the Decorative Arts Series
Originally published as one volume, the three books in this
series cover the Tudor & Stuart, Georgian and Victorian periods.
They look at change and innovation in style, design and fashion
over the centuries and what drove the changes.
Domestic Aesthetic: Household
Art 1920-1970
This beautiful book devotes about 900 photographs
to domestic objects, showing their design and form can often rival
that of so-called 'high art'. Learn more.
Encounters
at the V&A
The Victorian & Albert Museum in London is staging another of
its unique ground breaking exhibitions. This one is Encounters:
The Meeting of Asia and Euope 1500-1800. It aims to show the influences
that the two very different cultures had upon each other as well
as tell the stories of some of the people involved.
English Furniture, 1660-1714
From Charles II to Queen Anne
This beautifully illustrated and authorititive
book is meticulously researched and is an essential for the bookshelves
of anybody who loves the English furniture of the period. Find out
more.
The English Glass Chandelier
This authoritative work on the English glass chandelier was written
by Martin Mortimer, an expert who has spent his career studying
and working on chandeliers.
Gothic
Art for England 1400-1547
The Victoria & Albert Museum is mounting
a major exhibition called Gothic Art for England 1400-1547 and this
magnificent book has been published to complement it. Learn more
about this landmark volume.
Illuminated
Manuscripts and Their Makers
Read about illuminated manuscripts, their
history, the people who made them and how they were done in this
book by V&A expert Rowan Watson. Additionally see 25 manuscripts
from the V&A's collection in a chapter devoted to them.
Luxury
Goods from India
This book from the curator of the V&A
Museum's Department of Asian Art illustrates and discusses the supreme
craftsmanship and artistry found in luxury goods from India over
the last five centuries.
Miller's
Collecting Diecast Vehicles
Collecting model cars, or diecast vehicles, has been growing enormously
in popularity over recent years. Read the review of this beautifully
illustrated and produced book, full of useful information on the
subject.
Miller's
Is It Genuine?
Edited by John Bly, veteran of the BBC's Antiques
Roadshow, this book helps you to avoid buying a fake. Read the
review.
Picture Postcards
Picture Postcards by C.W. Hill covers the history of postcards
and how to collect them.
Really
Useful - The Origins of Everyday Things
Although not strictly speaking a book
about antiques, Really Useful - The Origins of Everyday Things
should prove fascinating for anybody who is interested in the
history of objects that most of us use all the time. Read the
review and then judge for yourself.
Schuco
Classic Tin Toys - The Collector's Guide
With the ever growing popularity of collectable tin toys, this
beautifully illustrated and informative book on a less well-known
manufacturer than Corgi and Dinky is bound to be a useful addition
to the bookshelves of collectors.
Starting
to Collect Antique Oriental Rugs
This second book in the 'Starting to Collect' series from Antique
Collectors Club is an excellent one for anybody who want to know
more on the subject.
Wine
Labels 1730 - 2003: A Worldwide History
This new book from Antiques Collectors Club, is not only beautifully
produced is a mine of information about wine labels (the kind
that hang round the necks of decanters rather than paper ones
stuck on bottles) from around the world.
Pottery
and Porcelain
Charlton Standard
Catalogue of Royal Doulton Beswick
The full title of this book is 'Charlton Standard Catalogue of
Royal Doulton Beswick Storybook Figurines' and is essential for
all collectors of these ceramic figures.
Charlton Standard Catalogue
of Royal Doulton Figurines
The seventh edition of this catalogue by Jean Dale is essential
for all collectors of Royal Doulton Figurines.
Derby
Porcelain 1748-1848 An Illustrated Guide
John Twitchett is the leading expert on Derby
Porcelain and his new book is set to becoming the essential guide
to the subject. Find out why.
Dogs
in English Porcelain
Cats in English Porcelain
These two books by the same author are
ideal for keen collectors as they are packed with good pictures
and information on the subjects. Find out more.
English
Pottery 1620 - 1840
Published by the V&A, this book is up to their usual high standard
of production with beautiful pictures throughout and well written
text. It looks at the history of just over 200 years of English
pottery and is sure to become a very useful resource for dealers
and collectors alike.
Godden's
Guide to English Blue and White Porcelain
Geoffrey Godden is perhaps Britain's foremost expert on English
blue and white porcelain. His new guide to the subject is indispensable
to collectors and dealers alike. Find out why.
Miller's
Collecting Porcelain
Written by, John Sandon, another regular on
the Antiques Roadshow, this is an essential reference book
for with experienced and novice collectors
alike. Find out more.
Spode
Transfer Printed Ware 1784-1833
This book, first published in 1983, has now
been revised and enlarged making it one of the definitive reference
works on Spode. Read the review.
Staffordshire
Potters 1781-1900
Set to become a standard reference work
on Staffordshire Potters, this book contains a comprehensive list
of manufacturers working in the area. Read more....
Song
Dynasty Ceramics
Over the last 20 years there has been much new research into
Song Dynasty ceramics, produced between 960 AD to 1279. Rose Kerr
publishes this information, much of it for the first time in the
West, in her new, lavishly illustrated book.
Susie Cooper: A Pioneer
of Modern Design
This year, 2002, is the centenary of Susie Cooper's birth. Find
out more about her and the new book on her life and work that has
been published to mark the occasion.
Victorian
China Fairings
Victorian China Fairings has extensive colour illustrations,
around 150 page of them, of numerous fairings, making identification
simple for dealers and collectors.
Price
Guides
British
Antique Furniture
First published back in 1968, this book has become the most authorititive
and popular guide to British furniture amongst dealers and private
buyers and the latest edition lives up to its reputation.
Miller's Buyers Guide
to Art Nouveau and Art Deco
Miller's Publications are well known for their price guides. This
one to Art Nouveau and Art Deco follows their usual style.
Textiles
1066:
The Hidden History of the Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry, probably the most famous piece of needlework
in the world, conceals, according to the author of this new book,
subversive messages unseen by the Normans. Find out what they are.
Animal
Embroideries and Patterns
Take a look at over 200 19th century embroideries,
in this book, and then work your own cross stitch cushions and pictures
from one of 24 charts included.
The
Art and Craft of Gianni Versace
Versace was one of the best known and flamboyant
designers in the world and his clothes were worn by rock stars and
royalty. This lavishly illustrated book shows why. Read the review.
Artists'
Textiles in Britain 1945-1970
This beautifully illustrated book is essential
for anybody interested in textiles or avant garde art. Read the
review.
Dress
in Detail from Around the World
Full of lovely pictures from clothes in
the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, this book examines
the telling details of dress and shows how clothes ranging from
those made from home spun and woven cloth to seamen's uniforms from
Hong Kong. It is ideal for serious students of dress design or just
anybody who loves beautiful clothes. Find out why I found it so
fascinating!
Haute
Couture & Prêt-à- Porter
This new book, Haute Couture and Prêt-à-Porter,
is a beautifully illustrated guide to 250 years, from 1750 to 2000,
of fashion and includes clothes from some of the greatest couturiers
of all time like Chanel, Dior and Lagerfeld.
Lace
from the Victoria & Albert Museum
The V&A has an outstanding collection of lace dating back to
the 16th century. This new book contains full page plates illustrating
100 pieces from the collection, some not usually on display and
specially photographed for the book.
Medieval
Life and Leisure in the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries
Details from four medieval tapestries
in the Victoria and Albert Museum are used to illuminate life and
customs in the Middle Ages. This book, full of beautiful pictures
from the tapestries, provides a fascinating insight into the period.
Oriental
Carpets and Their Structure
Ideal for collectors and dealers, this book explains the structure
of Oriental carpets and how they are made as well as containing
102 colour plates of carpets from the V&A.
Vivienne
Westwood
Published to complement the V&A's exhibition, this book chronicles
the 34 year career of the revolutionary and influential fashion
designer Vivienne Westwood. Although the text is interesting and
informative, it is the many pages of photographs of her clothes,
arranged chronologically, that are particularly fascinating. Read
the full review....
Where
& How to Buy and Sell
The
Antiques Buyer by David Dickinson
David Dickinson, presenter of the BBC's show,
Bargain Hunt, has gained an enormous following for his knowledgeable
and straightforward way of talking about antiques. In his new book
he advises on how to buy antiques without making expensive mistakes
and he also shares some of his experiences from his long career
as an antiques dealer. Find out more.
Miller's Exploring Antiques
in Britain
This is my own book, published in April 2002. It is a guide to the
best areas in the UK for buying antiques and collectables arranged
in easy to follow tours, ideal for the professional antiques dealer
or the interested visitor.
Starting and Running
an Antiques Business
by Fiona Shoop
After 20 years in the trade, Fiona Shoop writes
the definitive book on how to become an antiques dealer. If you
have ambitions in that direction, don't miss it. Read more about
it here.
Copyright © 2005 Carol Fisher
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