Mary Fedden [Hardcover]

Christopher Andreae (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0853319537 | ISBN-13: 978-0853319535 | Publication Date: June 30, 2007

Mary Fedden (born 1915) is one of Britain's most popular living artists. The focus of this new book is the artist's creative process in various different media - oil, gouache, pencil and collage. While Fedden is often considered almost exclusively a still-life painter, still life is far from being her only preoccupation, as this book shows. Fantasy and imagination have always played a strong part, and this is particularly evident in her small gouaches. A quietly surreal, enigmatic streak runs through much of her work. Fedden's collages are a witty and affectionate homage to the work of her husband, Julian Trevelyan. They lived, worked and travelled together from 1949 to 1988. The book re-emphasizes her debt to him, but also her independence, even during their early life together when he stimulated her move into modernism. In an engaging text, which draws on numerous conversations with the artist, Christopher Andreae considers why Mary Fedden has such a popular following, looks at the English quality of her work, and talks about the commercialization of her art and her attitudes to the art market. Fedden is shown to be an original, serious and prolific artist, a draftsman of unusual sensitivity and prowess, and a colourist of power and subtlety. Profusely illustrated with works from private and public collections, this is a book for Mary Fedden's existing devotees as well as newcomers to her work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This book is a delight.' --RA Magazine

well rounded and comprehensive book... There are an admirable number of high quality reproductions, giving an overview to the remarkable scope of the artist which will please fans of the artist as well as those not yet familiar with Fedden's ubiquitous work.' --Antiques Magazine

About the Author

Christopher Andreae has written about art since the early 1960s. He is the author of Mary Newcomb (Lund Humphries 1996; revised reprint 2006) and A Word or Two, a collection of essays published in 2004.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Lund Humphries Pub Ltd (June 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0853319537
• ISBN-13: 978-0853319535
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,392,716 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful Book, October 4, 2007

By 

E. Cook (Spain) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mary Fedden (Hardcover)

The artist Mary Fedden is unique and if you love her style of painting, this book will be treasured by you. I have not had time to read it yet, but I am looking forward to learning more about her life and artistic aims.

I have the previous book published a number of years ago, but what particularly pleased me, was that the pictures were all new to me, As an artist, I will find inspiration on every page.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful Book, July 8, 2007

By 

Jayne I. Hanlin (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mary Fedden (Hardcover)

Recently I went to London's Royal Academy of Arts to attend the book launch of MARY FEDDEN: ENIGMAS AND VARIATIONS and have my copy signed by both artist and author. Christopher Andreae's text contains biographical information of this nonagenarian as well as thoughtful analyses of her work. Over 200 photographic examples enhance this enchanting coffee table book. For those unfamiliar with Fedden's work, the book is an imaginative introduction; for her fans, the book gives additional insight.