One of the best parts of
back-to-school is cracking open all those new books. If the back-to-school season has you in the mood to brush up
on the Who, What, When, Where and Why of iconic design, the following books can
help.
Who: Billy Baldwin: The Great American Decorator
The definitive book on
the legendary decorator Billy Baldwin, known as the "Dean of American
Decorating," famous for his classical taste, streamlined modernism, and
brilliant use of color. In the tradition of Rizzoli’s Albert Hadley and David
Hicks, this is the first fully illustrated account of the career of Billy
Baldwin (1903–1983), one of the most important decorators of the twentieth
century, whose work has influenced contemporary designers from Bunny Williams
to Jeffrey Bilhuber. With a foreword by Baldwin’s former student Albert Hadley,
and enriched by never-before-published transcripts of four 1974 lectures that
Baldwin gave at the Cooper-Hewitt, this is an important book for anyone
interested in interior design.
What: Hans, His Chair and The World
- a Children’s Book about Hans J. Wegner.
With
his 100 years anniversary just around the corner, Danish design icon Hans J.
Wegner has become the center of a renewed international attention – resulting
in new literary projects and exhibitions. The richly illustrated book opens the world of the famous
Danish furniture designer to the younger generations and draws attention to the
old water tower in Wegner’s native city Tønder that has been transformed into a
permanent collection of the Danish iconic chair designs.
When: The Stylemakers: Minimalism and Classic
Modernism 1915-1945
In Paris in the 1920's a
new style was born, rejecting the embellishments of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, paring
down superfluous detail to the essence of classic modernism. This new study documents how their
interchange of partners and ideas led to innovation in every field of the arts.
It is packed with fresh material and original insights on artists such as Man
Ray, John Singer Sargent and Diaghilev.
Where: At Home with Town & Country by
Sarah Medford
These remarkable homes,
lavishly photographed to the publication's singular standard, reflect the
latest developments in residential architecture and design, including the “Invisible
House,” Tadao Ando's avant-garde dwelling for the Benetton family in northern
Italy and Antoine Predock's art-filled Dallas retreat for Deedie and Rusty
Rose. But classic design also plays a part: here, too, are Chatsworth, the 400-year-old
ancestral seat of the Dukes of Devonshire; Ralph and Ricky Lauren's 1920's-era
family estate in Bedford, New York; and Spike and Tonya Lee's historic
Manhattan town house.
Why: House & Home by
Orange Art Press
Go, little book, and
wish to all
Flowers in the garden,
meat in the hall,
A bin of wine, a spice
of wit,
A house with lawns
enclosing it,
A living river by the
door,
A nightingale in the
sycamore!
- Robert Louis Stevenson
Images and info: 1:
Danish Agency for Culture/Press Release; 2, 3, 4: Potterton Books; 5: Orange
Art Press.
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