Brussels Art Nouveau: Architecture & Design

Description

Brussels can claim to be the Art Nouveau capital of Europe. This is the first comprehensive guide in English to individual buildings in eleven main areas of the city. For those wishing to devise their own tours and visits, there are specially-drawn maps and an index of architects and designers. A movement or design philosophy more than a precise style, Art Nouveau flourished c. 1893-1914, inspired by forms and patterns found in nature such as flowers and plants, clouds, waves, and even wisps of smoke. The influence of architects and designers rebelling against heavy Victorian conformity, spread from buildings and detailing to interior design, furniture, lighting, textiles and fittings; fine and decorative art including graphics, calligraphy, carved lettering and ceramics. The famous names are all here: Victor Horta, Paul Hankar and Henry Van de Velde; and their disciples, colleagues and successors,each with a short biography as a side note to the lavishly- illustrated text.

Alec Forshaw has worked for over 40 years on conservation of the historic built environment. Publications include Smithfield: Past and Present (1980),1970s London (2011), and New City, Contemporary Architecture in the City of London (2013), with Alan Ainsworth. Alec Forshaw has a deep interest in Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and has been a frequent visitor to Belgium.Alan Ainsworth worked in the City of London before becoming a full-time photographer and writer. His books include Clerkenwell: Change and Renewal (2010), New City, Contemporary Architecture in the City of London(2013), and The Barbican: Architecture and Light (2015).

"Alec Forshaw's Brussels Art Nouveau: Architecture & Design, a travel guide intended for Anglophone visitors on foot or tram, is the right companion for this trek. Sized to have in-hand, and designed for discrete walks around Brussels's Art Nouveau neighborhoods, the book is organized geographically with maps and color photographs that will help both a novice and a specialist navigate unfamiliar areas of the city."-- "H-France Review"