This book showcases British decorative tiles from 1945 to 1975. ‘Mid-century Modern’ had its roots in the 1930s, with influences especially from California and Europe. Pioneers include the architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the USA and, in Europe, the Milan designers Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti, who derived inspiration from artists such as Picasso and Miro. British designers hardly had time to embrace the new style before the Second World War, but the decades after 1945 saw it flourish in ...

The Ruskin Pottery operated from around 1898 to 1935. Founded by William Howson Taylor and his father Edward (Superintendent of the Birmingham School of Art) the pottery used simple forms and new glaze technologies in contrast to highly decorated majolica and earthenware that had been popular in the second half of the nineteenth century. The Ruskin Pottery was one of the most important potteries of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and William Howson Taylor was pre-eminent among a group of ‘ch...

Portmeirion pottery evolved from a souvenir shop in North Wales into a twenty-first-century global business, thanks to the flair and vision of Susan Williams-Ellis.She captured the aspirations of households all over the world, transforming their kitchens and dining rooms from the 1960s onwards by cleverly blending the contemporary and the traditional. Her 'Botanic Garden' pattern, introduced in 1972, combined antique flower prints with contemporary shapes, and havi...

A gripping thriller from bestselling author Rob Sinclair. Callum Murphy thought he was happily married to a corporate consultant...But when police show up at Callum’s work site, informing him of his wife Lea’s death – his world starts to crumble. And it turns out, her death was just the beginning…Within a few hours, Callum is told that Lea was, in fact, an MI6 agent who was killed because of intelligence only she had, strangers with g...

Rob Higgins shows how taking the aerial route gives unique insights into the history and workings of Britain’s railways. The marvels of Victorian engineering in their construction, their relationships to the canals they replaced as the main arteries of transport, and the communities and industry they spawned along their length can all be seen in detail. This book flies from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall; from marshalling yards in the centre of the UK to lines hugging cliffs and beache...

Since the eighteenth century, the hospitals of London have played a leading role in the development of modern medicine. Most joined the NHS on the ‘Appointed Day’ (5 July 1948) but, as medical treatments improved and financial budgets became increasingly stringent, many were considered redundant and closed, despite vociferous protests from local residents. Veronika and Fred Chambers are the first to chronicle a rich history of twentieth-century hospitals that has been hitherto neglected, b...

The Arts and Crafts Movement was a reaction to the brutality of working life and the sterility of industrial design in Victorian Britain. Although Arts and Crafts was initially a mediaeval revival, the movement was always about the artist craftsman and the appropriate use of materials, rather than any single design tradition. The movement was inspired and led by William Morris, whose company was founded in 1861 and produced a full range of interior furnishings, including tiles. These were ...

William De Morgan was the principal ceramic designer and maker in the Arts and Crafts Movement. Heavily influenced by the art of the Middle East, he was active for nearly thirty years from the 1870s onwards and was never content with an existing technical process if he thought it could be improved. He is famous for his vases and decorative chargers, but it is arguably his tiles – still to be found in homes and museums around Britain and the world – that have made the greatest impact. His t...

Founded in 1894 by James Wright Beswick, Beswick Pottery remained in the family for three generations before becoming part of Royal Doulton in 1969.As owners and collectors of its products will testify, Beswick aimed to produce well-made ceramics at affordable prices: wares which could be used daily in the home as well as decorative ornaments for animal lovers of all ages to cherish.In this volume Val Baynton explores the range of products, revealing that f...

The Derwent Valley is one of this country's finest assets, both from the point of view of its heritage and magnificent scenery. The walks are suitable both for the long distance walker as well as for those who just want a short walk. Although only about 60 miles in length, it fills mighty reservoirs near its source, and has been harnessed to power mills and, most importantly played an outstanding part in the Industrial Revolution. This was recognised in 2001, when the Derwent Valley was aw...

Using evocative text and delightful imagery, Tony Russell brings to life each of the fifty gardens featured, covering their history, plants, architecture and personalities along the way. The diversity of gardens to be found within the Cotswolds and within this book is quite astonishing. Here you will find grand landscapes such as Blenheim Palace and Dyrham Park, influential pioneers at Iford Manor and Rousham, historical gems such as Prior Park and Painswick Rococo Garden, national icons a...

A brief illustrated history of the Arts and Crafts Garden.Though most famous for its architecture, furniture and ornamental work, the Arts and Crafts movement's values of simplicity, craftsmanship and beauty also produced influential gardens all over Britain.This classic Shire Library guide explores:- A rich history: chart the rise of Arts and Crafts gardens as they became a worldwide phenomenon between the 1890s and the 1930s, in response to Victor...