London in Paint: A Book of Postcard

Description

The hustle and bustle of London, its changing landscape and infinite sights have provided a rich subject for the many artists who have visited and inhabited the city. From the earliest known paintings, artists have sought to encapsulate their impressions of this lively metropolis. Their representations are fascinatingly diverse, revealing visions of London that let us see the city as it has been experienced and reflected by a variety of artists through the centuries. From recognisable views of the River Thames, St Paul's and Tower Bridge, to idyllic scenes of London's residential squares and streets, or paintings capturing the architectural feats and engineering marvels of their day, artists have documented a developing London - a London which found wealth and confidence and was to emerge as the first truly modern city. Drawing from Tate's superb collection and beyond, this stunning book presents 100 paintings from the 17th century to the present. Whether iconic or unusual, topographical or verging on the abstract, each work offers a special perspective.Contextualised by an insight into the chosen view or location, the artist, and their particular technique, the paintings are also accompanied by revealing and memorable anecdotes which vividly bring the images to life. Featuring some of the world's most influential artists - Canaletto, Turner, Constable, Pissarro, Monet, Kossoff and Auerbach - as well as lesser-known contemporary artists, such as David Hepher and Lisa Milroy, London in Paint brings together a selection of artworks which portray the changing faces of London, and provide a fresh look - through artists' eyes - at this much-loved global city.

Lee Cheshire is Senior Editor and Copywriter at Tate. He also contributes to Tate Etc. magazine, and edited a special magazine marking the opening of the extension to Tate Modern. He is the author of London in Paint, a survey of painting in London since the 17th century.