Anyone who has a soft spot for the gorgeously-illustrated New Naturalist series risks going weak at the knees at this latest title. Filled with the iconic illustrations of Robert Gillmor and Clifford and Rosemary Ellis, this book celebrates the history of the series in style – with more than 100 volumes having been published over the last 60 years or more there is plenty to celebrate! Marren’s text explores the history of the series, concentrating on the artistic process involved in producing the illustrations which have become as symbolic of the series as the quality of the written content.
Ed Scotland (Fri 22nd Jul 2011)
Publisher synopsis: The stunning, specially commissioned cover illustrations are one of the great joys of the New Naturalist series, lending it a distinctive style which has inspired nature enthusiasts for many decades. The Collins New Naturalist series is the longest-running and arguably the most influential natural history series in the world with over 100 volumes published in over 60 years. Throughout the years, the highly characteristic dust jacket illustrations have become iconic, lifting the books to a level of collectibility and increasing the level of admiration for an already well-established and respected series. With early cover illustrations prepared by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis, later and more recent covers have been designed by Robert Gillmor. Featuring prints of the awe-inspiring artwork of the New Naturalists, the book will offer a unique insight into Gillmor's approach to each subject matter and the intricate and creative way through which he has brought his own distinctive style and craft of printmaking to the New Naturalist series.
Marren explores the findings from the Ellis archive, which has thrown up considerable information on how the old covers were developed, approved, in some cases rejected, and then proofed. The Art of the New Naturalists offers a fascinating insight into how the creation of these eminent cover designs has developed and progressed and will be essential reading for everyone interested in the frantic workings behind the seemingly serene collection of artwork that is one of Britain's iconic book series.
ISBN: 9780007284719
Pub. Date: 29th Oct 2009
Pages: 288
Height: 286mm
Width: 226mm
Weight: 1,624gms
Illustrated by: Clifford Ellis
Illustrated by: Rosemary Ellis
Illustrated by: Robert Gillmor