Studio Lives : Architect, Art, and Artist in 20th Century Britain

By examining the studios and studio-houses used by British artists between 1900 and 1940, this book reveals the ways in which artists used architecture – occupying and adapting Victorian studios and commissioning new ones. In doing so, it shows them coming to terms with the past, and inventing different modes of being modern, collaborating with architects and shaping their work. 

In its scrutiny of the physical surroundings of artistic life during this period, the book sheds insight into how the studio environment articulated personal values, artistic affinities and professional aspirations. Not only does it consider the studio in terms of architectural design, but also in the light of the artist’s work and life in the studio, and the market for contemporary art. By showing how artists navigated the volatile market for contemporary art during a troubled time, the book provides a new perspective on British art.

'The illustrations, and the author’s passion for the topic, bring the period and its artistic environment to life.' – Karyn Hinkle, Visual and Performing Arts Librarian, Lucille C. Little Fine Arts Library, University of Kentucky, ARLIS
 

'The illustrations, so often in a book of this kind an assemblage of what-we-can-get, have been carefully chosen and offer a pithy counterpoint to the themes of the narrative. All-in-all, it’s a worthwhile and informative read.' – Henry Malt, The Artist

Hardback • 288 Pages • Size: 240 × 170 mm
40 colour illustrations and 70 B&W illustrations
ISBN: 9781848223134 • Publication: October 11, 2019