Henry Moore Textiles [Hardcover]

Anita Feldman (Editor), Sue Prichard (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 26, 2008

"Henry Moore Textiles" is the first publication on this relatively unknown aspect of Moore's work. Much of the material, including many recently discovered textile designs, has never been published before. At the instigation of Czech textile guru Zika Ascher, in 1943 Moore began filling four notebooks with drawings for textiles. Other designs followed in the early 1950s commissioned by David Whitehead Fabrics following the Festival of Britain. Moore's prolific work resulted in the production of twenty-eight designs for silk squares, dress and upholstery fabrics, and wall hangings. Using strikingly vibrant colours and modern materials, the aim was to brighten up the post-war wardrobe and bring art into the realm of daily life. Generously illustrated, "Henry Moore Textiles" offers a new angle on a popular artist, and is published to coincide with the first exhibition devoted to this facet of Moore's work at the Henry Moore Foundation in Hertfordshire.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'From the outset, it has to be said that this is an especially attractive book, with beautifully composed photographs of the textiles by Matt Pia, and evocative interiors of the Moore's house Hoglands photographed by Michael Phipps.' www-artnewsletter-com 'This spectacular new work reveals a relatively unknown facet of renowned sculptor Henry Moore's creations. These previously unpublished designs formulate the core of his exploration into textiles in 1943 at the request of Zika Ascher, a Czech textile manufacturer. The result was four sketchbooks filled with utilitarian designs for a postwar fashion industry. The textile patterns focus on basic designs, dress and upholstery fabrics, and decorative wall panels. Following a preface by David Mitchinson (head of collections & exhibitions, Henry Moore Fdn.), there is an introductory essay on British textile design by Sue Pritchard, textile curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The last and most important portion of the book, compiled and organized by Feldman (curator, Henry Moore Fdn.), features the rich illustrations of Moore's unique designs, ranging from patterns of barbed wire and pianos to reclining figures and heads. This new area of Moore's artistic talents is a refreshing discovery. Highly recommended.' Library Journal --Library Journal

This lavishly illustrated monograph brings to light a largely unknown aspect of his work - his textile designs. Contributors present a comprehensive survey and interpretation of those designs - The book features hundreds of color images of Moore's textiles and never-before-seen sketches - Recommended.' --Choice

'This book is a revelation' American Craft Magazine 2008 'The illustrations in the book are excellent' Arlis 2008 'The photographs of his stunning designs give a wonderful introduction to Moore's textiles. This is a beautiful book - a great inspiration' The International Journal of the Guild of Silk Painters 2008 'a handsome volume.' Church Times 2008 'the book is a beautiful creation itself ... a fascinating account of the partnership that developed between Moore and Zika Ascher, the Czech textile manufacturer who had settled in London in 1939 and recognised the possibility of using Moore's drawings as designs for textiles.' --Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers 2008 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Anita Feldman-Bennett is the curator of the Henry Moore Foundation at Perry Green. Sue Pritchard is the curator of textiles at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Ashgate (March 26, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0853319936
• ISBN-13: 978-0853319931
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,444,530 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.