British Prints from the Machine Age: Rhythms of Modern Life 1914-1939

From an early age I was drawn to images such as those enshrined within this catalogue without the faintest conception of why. Perhaps it's because they represent an age that was bygone even by my childhood during the fifties, or because they are visual reminders of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements of the early Twentieth Century, both of which I am extremely fond and which stir within me deep inner passions (Get you duckie!). Purchasing this mighty work by Clifford S. Ackley has caused me to become poorer in monetary terms but infinitely richer in the things of the mind. I am likely to remain fiscally poorer as it has become the catalyst which has started me collecting limited edition prints of these images. Ah! But how much richer intellectually I feel, and is that not something for which we should strive? Perhaps not, but it works for me and that's all I ask. Viewing these images, they seem easy to emulate because of their apparent childlike simplicity, until you attempt to copy one, or worse still to produce one of your own. It is then that you begin to appreciate the complexity of their construction and the skill and talent required to envisage and produce them. Crucially, the only monochrome images in the book are those which were meant to be monochrome, the rest are presented in glorious full and authentic colour. A very worthy book, and a vivid reminder of a time when modern art did not consist of unmade beds, representations of the butcher's trade, piles of old tyres, bricks or other worthless detritus foisted upon us by charlatans under the aegis of Philistinic 'Spin Doctors'. Congratulations, and many thanks to the late and much lamented featured artists and their champions, especially Clifford S. Ackley. Many of the featured images are available from 'The Bookroom Art Press', they may not seem inexpensive until you see the sums being commanded by the originals, but even these are ridiculously low when compared to contemporary rubbish being touted by dealers these days. A great book, buy it, you and your collection deserve it.

Fantastic images, interesting overview of the history and techniques of the modern linocut plus biographies of the printmakers.Buy the book !!

A sumptuously illustrated (over 100 full page plates take up half of the book) guide to British printmaking roughly contemporaneous to Vorticist, Modernist and Art Deco periods. The information on the individual works and artists is concise but informative, showing the book's origins as an exhibition catalogue from the Museum of Boston. The Grosvenor School linocuts of close collaborators Cyril Power and Sybil Andrews are the dominant motif, but there are plenty of other artists represented. A slight criticism is the lack of an index, but it hardly detracts from this excellent book.

Very comprehensive american collectors print collection catalogue of this interesting period. Well illustrated. Not pricey,

An excellentl compendium of the artists feel of life of the times. Also an eye opener to those like me who a life time ago struggled in art class with a blunt knife and a potato. If machines and the city visually confuse and excite you these artists show you how it started.

A very well documented and interesting collection of high-quality prints of the 'Modern British' mid-20th century print-makers who illustrated a very urban, often industrial Britain. The tube and its travellers, team sports and other subjects all look vibrant and bright thanks to the high quality of the reproductions. Highly recommended.

Beautiful book, lovely condition.

fascinating study of what is, probably ,a declining art form,.full of beautiful illustrations and made me wish I had talent like these printmakers