Design
Text by Susanne Junker
Berlin, Germany
08.12.08
The introductory photo of this book says it all: two gentlemen are sitting, or rather lounging, in elegant armchairs, each with a glass of white wine in his hand, the bottle within easy reach in a wine cooler, and are chatting in an obviously good mood. This directory reads in just as relaxed a way,
The introductory photo of this book says it all: two gentlemen are sitting, or rather lounging, in elegant armchairs, each with a glass of white wine in his hand, the bottle within easy reach in a wine cooler, and are chatting in an obviously good mood. This directory reads in just as relaxed a way, with the two elder statesmen of the British design and design review scene presenting a personal but impressive selection of product, furniture, fashion, automobile and graphic design. It's only a pity that the English sub-title, "Intelligence Made Visible", does not appear in the German version.
The beautiful photographs harmonise with the tidy and skilfully restrained layout and the readable texts which, as is right and proper for an attractive illustrated 'coffee table' volume, are just the right length for a relaxed afternoon on the sofa. Conran has accordingly once more done what he does best, in other words stimulating an appetite for design and at the same time activating in us an urge to bin all those ugly, pointless things which have somehow established themselves in our homes, offices, cars and so many other places.
Facts:
Author: Terence Conran und Stephen Bayley (publisher)
336 pages, 250 illustrations
Format 25.5 x 28.5 cm, bound
Callwey Verlag München 2008
Recommended publisher's price: 49.95 EUR
Language: German
ISBN: 978-3-7667-1761-0