Paintings featuring harpsichords, virginals and organs offer us a glimpse of gorgeous interiors, amorous scenes and finely‐dressed ladies ‐ and the occasional young man too ‐ at the keyboard. Keyboard instruments can also be the key to decoding an allegory, myth or hidden message in a painting. This exhibition catalogue showcases a collection of such paintings and also includes painted harpsichord and virginal lids as well as original instruments. Loans from the National Gallery in London, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Suermondt‐Ludwigmuseum in Aachen and many other museums and collectors offer a delight for eyes and ears.

Featured artists include Frans Floris, Jacob Jordaens, Maerten de Vos, the Francken family, Jan Miense Molenaer, Jan Steen, Gerard Dou, Gabriël Metsu en Jacob Ochtervelt.

Though born in England, John Kingerlee has lived on Ireland’s Beara peninsula for much of his life, the wild landscapes finding passionate and all- encompassing expression in his paintings. This beautiful book celebrates his most recent work, with 51 paintings, drawings and collages reproduced, many for the first time. For the first time too, John Kingerlee has written about his life and the inspirations for his work. His words are complemented by a suite of specially commissioned portrait photographs by the great Irish photographer John Minihan. John Kingerlee has produced some of his very best, most expressive, most free spirited and ultimately most profound work in his later years. These paintings deal with universal problems of our existence and our planet; they address fundamental rather than ephemeral issues. The art itself has a quality of timelessness about it, not least because it is often created over many years and is often so multi-layered as to feel sculptural.

Filled with Bridget Riley’s mesmerising stripe paintings, this catalogue conveys the artist’s unique development in using stripes to animate the entire visual field.

Published in conjunction with the Bridget Riley: The Stripe Paintings 1961-2012 exhibition at Galerie Max Hetzler, Berlin, key paintings and studies of Riley’s stripe works are collected for the first time. This well-illustrated title demonstrates how Riley regularly returned to this seemingly simple pictorial device to achieve complex, surprising results.

The volume includes full-colour illustrations alongside important texts by John Elderfield and Paul Moorhouse – in both English and German – which situate these exhilarating works within the artist’s oeuvre and a broader art historical context.

If flowers could talk… In Forever Flowers, restorer and head of the conservation studio of The Phoebus Foundation, Sven Van Dorst (1990), offers a fresh perspective on Flemish flower still lifes from the early modern period (1600-1700). Eight paintings, prints, and drawings from the collection of The Phoebus Foundation serve as the basis to discuss the intricacies of this genre. With his unique approach, the author-restorer sheds light on the knowledge and craftsmanship behind painted bouquets. Through material-technical research and experiments, he establishes connections and demonstrates the outstanding expertise of the early modern creators of these painted gems. In this book, Van Dorst unfolds new insights about eight fascinating works and invites the reader to view the flower still life genre differently. One by one, intriguing stories blossom about the religious significance of flowers, exotic species and international connections, the use of real butterfly wings in paintings, and previously undiscovered aspects of these refined still lifes.

The book will coincide with the first Ashmolean NOW exhibition in Gallery 8, opening in July 2023. The Ashmolean NOW Program features exciting works by prominent early to mid-career artists based in the UK, seeking to attract new audiences interested in contemporary art. Artists who have established international reputations and emerging artists whose international status is anticipated with a strong degree of confidence are approached pro-actively. In addition to exhibiting their existing works, all artists are invited to create at least one new work as a response to the museum and/or its collections. This first exhibition presents two linked solo shows: paintings/drawings by Flora Yukhnovich, and paintings/drawings by Daniel Crews-Chubb. The double-sided style of the book will mirror the exhibition concept, while presenting itself as a unique, well designed object that has a life beyond the exhibition.

Zhong Kui – the only “God of all response” in Chinese civilisation. He is not a prominent god who is always worshiped, but the legend surrounding him has been passed down to this day. This generous patron saint eventually became a classic symbol of Chinese culture. Ancient and modern paintings of Zhong Kui have no been gathered together in one book.

Portraits of Zhong Kui by Timeless Masters includes 120 high-definition Zhong Kui paintings of 97 ancient and modern masters, such as Xu Beihong, Qi Baishi, Li Keran, Zhang Daqian, Fan Zeng, Fu Baoshi, etc. Masters of different eras and different painting styles have distinguished themselves, constantly enriching Zhong Kui’s image in the long river of history. Not only is the subject matter numerous, the book also includes a variety of works such as vertical axes, fans, and lenses. In addition to the paintings, more than 80 abstracts and inscriptions from different dynasties included in this book, as important textual supplements, will follow the history of the trace of Zhong Kui.

This book documents the remnants of the rich Buddhist cultural heritage of Cambodia after centuries of wars and destruction culminating with the genocide and cultural annihilation of the Khmer Rouge. The most important mural paintings of Cambodia are examined after discussion of Buddhist art in general, the function of murals, the architecture of the monuments hosting them, the painting techniques and narrative systems. Detailed study of paintings illustrating episodes of the Buddha’s life and of the ten Jatakas follows, ending with in-depth analysis of the Epic of Rama in Cambodia (Reamker). Paintings on scroll canvas (Prah Bot) are also reviewed. The second part of this book includes the description of 70 viharas with mural paintings that the authors were able to visit over a period of four years.

Ilya Kabakov (*1933) is one of the former Soviet Union’s most important and influential international artists today. After the two-volume catalogue raisonné of paintings (2008) and 2017’s catalogue raisonné of installations, we are now publishing a complete overview of Kabakov’s recent paintings.

Different ideas, phases, and styles unfold across the 350 works of art, but the artist’s inimitable signature can always be recognised. Visual themes include, for example, the colour white, the relationship between complete and incomplete, and the combination of either various styles or of painting and photography. Still, all of the pieces have one thing in common: they all pursue a conceptual approach and make references to art history.

111 Places in County Durham You Shouldn’t Miss will unveil Durham’s secret depths and lesser-known delights, allowing it to step out from the shadow of its spectacular, UNESCO-listed cathedral and its highly-ranked university. 

This small, hilly city has its gems, but the county’s historic towns (Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe), by the water (Hartlepool, Seaham) and nestled away in its tiniest villages (Kelloe, Tow Law) are home to Durham’s true hidden wonders. 

Discover the mysterious sea caves at Blackhall Rocks, or wander up Nose’s Point to Blast Beach. Traverse Durham city’s wonkiest staircase, or make your own mind up about the county’s most controversially-designed estate. 

Marvel at Killhope’s working Waterwheel, and uncover the county’s famous coal mining past. Unearth disused collieries and quarries reclaimed by the overgrowth surrounding them.  

Spot what’s left of a stone boar at Barnard Castle. Hear the real story behind Hartlepool’s most baffling local legend, and try to stand atop a haunted copse… if you dare.

The iconic Dome of the Cathedral of Florence, the largest masonry vault in the world, was built by Filippo Brunelleschi between 1420 and 1436. More than 100 years later, between 1572 and 1579, the vault was decorated with frescos by the artists Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari depicting the Last Judgment. Working with advanced imaging technology, total access, and Italy’s leading art photographer, this book presents in never-before-seen detail and completeness the entire pictorial cycle of the Dome. Contributions by noted art historians Marco Bussagli, Mina Gregori, and Timothy Verdon illuminate the art historical significance of this magnificent symbol of Florence and the Renaissance.

Text in English and Italian.

London: the capital city of the United Kingdom and the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country. Along with Paris, Tokyo, and New York, London is considered one of the alpha capitals of the world: a pulsing, vibrant mega-metropolis which attracts millions of tourists and travellers each year with its history, museums, theatre, art, fine dining, rich traditions, and multicultural flair.

Streets of London is a contemporary take on the classic city photo book. To capture all the diversity that characterises London, this volume features more than 40 contemporary photographers with equally varied perspectives and styles. From the world-renowned London landmarks and tourist attractions like Tower Bridge, the Thames, and St. Paul’s Cathedral to lesser-known London boroughs and neighbourhoods, each photographer offers a personal view of the British metropolis, allowing for a fresh photo tribute to a historic city, as well as visual inspirations for Londoners, old and new.

Text in English, German and French.

“The product of extensive archival research by members of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, these editions make newly accessible the work of the accomplished British designer.” — Architectural Record

The genius of Edwin Lutyens is now universally recognised. When the acclaimed English architect passed away in 1944, three large volumes of his drawings and photographs were commissioned from the thousands found in his office and were published by Country Life. In 2023, all three volumes will be republished by ACC Art Books.

This third and final volume showcases Lutyens’ detailed plans and elevations for the greatest examples of his townhouse renovations, memorials and public buildings, including the Cenotaph at Westminster, the Thiepval Memorial, and the colossal Midland Bank building in Manchester.

These reissues are once again bringing to the world’s attention not just the professionalism of a great architect, but also the loving care with which he set down the minutiae of his visions. They are among the few books in existence illustrated with his working drawings, as well as pristine photos of the finished masterpieces themselves. A beautiful tribute to a monumental figure in the history of modern architecture. 

An interactive series helping children explore the world and expand their imaginative play. Each box of fun focuses on a famous city and includes: six card board pages of punch-out monuments, characters, and modes of transport, along with pedestals on which to stand them up. Bonus! Each box set also includes a large format poster-map of the city, with a search-and-find game for hidden elements amongst streets to be recognised, as well as a game-of-the-goose style board game that references the city’s most famous attractions. Ages 6+

Chetham’s Library is the oldest surviving public library in Britain. It was founded in 1653, under the will of Humphrey Chetham, a prosperous Manchester textile merchant, banker and landowner. His legacy also established a school for 40 poor boys (now a specialist music school) and provided for five chained libraries to be placed in local churches.

The Library, in Manchester, England, is housed in a beautiful sandstone building dating from 1421, which was constructed to accommodate the priests of Manchester’s Collegiate Church (now the Cathedral). It remains one of the most complete medieval building complexes to survive in the northwest of England. The building and the magnificent library interior create a unique atmosphere for both readers and visitors.

The Inside series focuses on the mission and organisation of an institution – the context in which it operates and the people who make it work. It tells the story of how an institution has evolved through its people, history, architecture, purpose and practice.

Tessa Hunkin’s Hackney Mosaic Project has been responsible for some of the most witty and imaginative mosaics of recent years. In a bold reinvention of the classical tradition, Tessa has assembled a passionate and diverse team of makers, creating beautiful mosaics that have become cherished landmarks, celebrating community and elevating the streets of East London.

This inspirational collection reveals the scope of Hackney Mosaic Project’s achievement for the first time, ranging from modest pieces in private gardens to expansive murals and pavements in public parks.

Mixing Roman and medieval roots, Chichester sits at the heart of a storied landscape where South Down hills dotted with idyllic hamlets ripple back from a shoreline mixing wild dune-backed beaches with old-school seaside resorts. Reminders of smuggling and war add spice.

But a thrilling thread of modernity runs through this slice of West Sussex too. Chichester’s modernist Festival Theatre provided the foundation for London’s National Theatre, while masterpieces of contemporary architecture that draw admirers from around the world include Sea Lane House in East Preston and The White Tower in Bognor Regis.

Evocative ancient memorials abound. Chichester is blessed with the only English cathedral visible from the sea, while England’s largest castle rises above the ravishing – and cosmopolitan – riverside town of Arundel. Ancient yew trees mark the burial spots of Viking warriors in an idyllic Downland spot. And it’s a land vibrant with creative imprints: poets, painters, composers, from Blake and Keats to Joyce and Chagall.

This guidebook takes you exploring through Chichester and its surroundings to find incomparable natural beauty, hidden secrets, astonishing history, art of all kinds, and much more. 

Kerry James Marshall: The Histories is the most extensive publication on the artist to date, celebrating half a century of his work. It reveals the complex ways in which he has transformed histories of Western painting, centering Black bodies in ambitious compositions set in barber shops, public housing projects, parks, and beauty salons. It charts his use of portraiture to memorialise individuals such as Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, and Olaudah Equiano. A new series, illustrated here for the first time, looks at under-acknowledged aspects of the history of Africa. With lavish illustrations of all the works in the accompanying exhibition, it also includes chapters on Marshall’s Rythm Mastr project and his various public commissions including his stained glass windows for the cathedral in Washington D.C.. A survey by Mark Godfrey is accompanied by shorter essays by Aria Dean, Darby English, Madeleine Grynsztejn, Cathérine Hug, Nikita Sena Quarshie, Rebecca Zorach, and an interview between Kerry James Marshall and Benjamin H.D. Buchloh.

The fascinating connection between the impressive architecture of Stuttgart’s new main train station and the art of the Stuttgart Ballet comes to life in Station Stuttgart. On a grey November afternoon, a unique stage set was created on the construction site: an unfinished track bed and a majestic hall, which, with its chalice columns and skylights, evokes the grandeur of a cathedral.

Renowned photographer Dennis Orel captured the gifted dancers of the Stuttgart Ballet in this extraordinary setting. Their elegant poses and the architectural complexity of the structure merge to create a striking work of art. Station Stuttgart documents not only the creative process but also the tireless dedication of all those involved, who, in harmonious collaboration, created an impressive marriage of dance and architecture. This publication invites the reader to discover the beauty and magic of this one-of-a-kind production.

Text in English and German.

Discover Derby like never before with 111 Places in Derby That You Should Not Miss. Nestled along the River Derwent, Derby is a city rich in history, from its Roman roots to its prominence as a railway town, where rolling stock has been manufactured since the early 19th century. Visit the Museum of Making to explore this industrial legacy and much more.

Beyond railways, Derby boasts stunning Victorian architecture, a splendid cathedral, and serves as a gateway to the gentle, rolling landscapes of south Derbyshire with, its grand country houses and charming towns and villages like Melbourne, Ticknall and Dale Abbey. Learn about local heroes such as Florence Nightingale, football legend Brian Clough, and artist Joseph Wright.

With a mix of quirky history and local humour, this guide is a perfect blend of intrigue, charm, and fun. 111 Places in Derby is a must-read for anyone eager to explore this unique and versatile English city.

Make the most of Norwich with this new guide to the sights and secrets of East Anglia’s premier city, from the unknown treasures of its magnificent cathedral to the legends and stories behind its historic pubs. It’s a place of numerous historical layers, with intrigue and interest lurking on every corner, from the black circus proprietor who inspired one of The Beatles’ most famous songs to remnants of England’s most notorious red-light districts. It’s eminently walkable, too, but you can also bike or even canoe your way around the centre, maybe even heading out to explore the natural beauty of Broads National Park which lies just beyond.

A landmark publication that invites New Yorkers to look up — and marvel at some of the city’s greatest unsung architectural treasures, its sheet-metal cornices.

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the facades of many, if not most, residential and commercial buildings in America’s cities were crowned with sheet-metal cornices. These offered certain practical advantages over stone or brick cornices — for example, they were lighter and safer to install — but the easy workability of sheet metal also allowed for greater decorative possibilities. It was in the sheet-metal cornice, in fact, that the architectural eclecticism of the era found some of its most elaborate and impressive expression; in their complex play of geometric elements, of light and shadow, of multiple symmetries, the finest cornices can almost rival the ornament of a Gothic cathedral or a Moorish mosque. And of all the cities where these cornices were installed, New York may preserve the greatest number and variety — particularly in such Manhattan neighbourhoods as Chinatown, the Lower East Side, the East Village, and Harlem.

Henry C. Millman first became fascinated with New York’s sheet-metal cornices when, as a draftsman for a building preservation firm, he had the unusual opportunity to examine their remarkable workmanship close up, from scaffolding or a swing stage. Decades later, he surveyed nearly every building in Manhattan to select some one hundred examples that would showcase the artistry and variety of the sheet-metal cornice. He then orchestrated an ambitious drone photography campaign to document these cornices, and made a detailed elevation drawing of each one, to illustrate its scale, structure, and graphic patterns with the utmost clarity. This volume presents the fruits of Millman’s multiyear project, organised by neighbourhood, along with his incisive text exploring the history, construction, and design of these sheet-metal marvels.

Ornamental Cornices is an essential volume for architects, builders, and curious urban wanderers alike — but it is also an eloquent plea for the preservation of Manhattan’s metal masterpieces, which even now are falling victim to time and elements.

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world because of its perfect blend of nature, environment, architecture and people. With almost complete preservation of architecture from all historical periods, Prague is second to none among other World Heritage cities for its richness, integrity and diversity. The city is like a European open-air museum of architectural art, and one of the indispensable destinations for architects and architecture lovers to travel in Europe.

Based on years of field and literature research by the authors, this book showcases the achievements of Prague’s thousand-year urban architectural changes and the protection of complete heritage.

Through the interpretation of 43 historic buildings from different periods, this book explores Prague’s urban characteristics and changes. Though priceless, most of these built heritages are beyond the focus of Western architectural history research, and their status and significance need to be readdressed and reassessed.

Text in English and Chinese.

Floral Poetry in Normandy features awe-inspiring floral designs of Cédric Deshayes, Meilleur Ouvrier de France finalist and Vice Champion de France 2019 in floral art. With an emphasis on showcasing the rich history of his native region, Normandy, Deshayes has beautifully captured magnificent floral arrangements in various locations.

More than 70 meticulously crafted floral designs, created using diverse techniques, are artfully presented across 35 picturesque sites scattered throughout the five departments of Normandy. In collaboration with his dedicated team and the skilled photographer Jean François Lange, Cédric embarked on an incredible journey spanning all four seasons, seeking out prestigious and historically significant sites for his floral displays. From the grandeur of Rouen Cathedral and the architectural marvels of Palais des Bénédictines to the majestic castles of Château de Tilly and Château de Carrouges, this stunning book captures the essence of Normandy’s cultural heritage. It also showcases the natural beauty of iconic towns like Êtretat and Honfleur, as well as hidden gems like Cidrerie des Hauts Vents and Abbaye du Bec Hellouin. Not to mention, a breathtaking glimpse of the world-renowned Mont-Saint-Michel.

This exceptional book captures the charm and history of Normandy and celebrates France’s cultural heritage in a way that is nothing less than breathtaking. 

Text in English and French.