Older Posts

The Wonderful World of Sir Brian Batsford

A few weeks ago I was strolling past The Readers Rest bookshop in Lincoln (I say strolling, it's on a MASSIVE hill) when these lovely dust jackets caught my eye. I'm captivated by anything resembling the travel posters of the 1920s and 30s, and these jackets are so reminiscent of that era. Just beautiful!


 

They were designed by Sir Brian Batsford, (although he started out life as Brian Cook) who began his career in the publishing industry at the age of 21, designing the jacket for The Villages of England (1932). He created 150 jackets in total over the span of his career.


 

Aren't the colours just incredible? The books are collected by keen enthusiasts - and I think I might be about to join their ranks!

 

The full cover artwork for 'The Villages of England'


The one that caught my eye!




What a feast!

The Derbyshife Life website has a biography page on him here if you're interested in reading any more.

Blog Comments

lyndalldavey@tiscali.co.uk Oct 02, 2016 07:54 PM

     I am a resident of Winchelsea and am researching Winchelsea artists. Does anyone know how long he lived in Mill Road, Winchelsea. Was he influenced by one time Winchelsea resident Eric Slater?

Nigel Grinstead Nov 24, 2015 10:44 PM

     I love what you have compiled here I have collected Brian Cook for over twenty years and have never tired of his work. Even now I am turning up uncatalogued work - am happy to share findings if anyone is collating his life work (alas the reference books on his life and work by Batsford are prone to a few errors - but that makes collecting more interesting(Well thats what I try to persuade myself!)

Alison Sep 08, 2015 11:18 PM

     Love the paintings and just bought a book showing English landscapes.

Sheila Jul 05, 2015 06:15 PM

     I love them! Where can I buy prints?

Post a comment

SUBMIT
Older Posts
 

Archives