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Anti-Ugly

By (author) Gavin Stamp
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Quarto Publishing PLC, United Kingdom
Imprint: Aurum
Published: 7th Nov 2013
Dimensions: w 127mm h 207mm d 32mm
Weight: 450g
ISBN-10: 1781311234
ISBN-13: 9781781311233
Barcode No: 9781781311233
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Synopsis
Since 2004 Gavin Stamp, one of Britain's most eminent and readable architectural historians, has written a monthly column for Apollo, the esteemed architecture and fine art magazine. The subject is simply whatever in design or architecture happens to take his fancy. It might be the splendid reopening of the magnificent Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras Station, or the dilapidation of a little-known church in Eastbourne; the much-lamented demise of the original Routemaster bus, or the colossal majesty of the airship sheds that housed the R.101. But while these pieces display a wonderful range and variety, they are unified by Stamp's wider quest: to explore, define and champion the very Englishness of English architecture and design. When fine examples are preserved and restored, he celebrates; when they fall victim to philistine neglect - or, worse, demolition - he mourns. And when the elegant is overshadowed by the merely modish, he deplores. In Anti-Ugly, Stamp has selected the best of these 'excursions', producing a compulsively readable collection that builds into an eloquent, learned, trenchant and often indignant portrait of our national design heritage.

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'The endearing introspection contained within Stamp's personal reflections only reinforces the belief that there are few morew honest, incorruptible architectural writers at work today.' Burlington Magazine An engaging account of hte changing trends in the aesthetics of Britain's buildings House & Garden 'Acute, erudite, elegant and amusing essays.' The Times 'Constellated with deft apercus.' Country Life 'Informative and engaging about all kinds of English things, from royal tombs to London buses. Essays aren't a popular form - the word suggests dull and dutiful study - but Stamp's always tell you something new, which is a wonderful thing in any piece of writing. And unlike books, they never go on too long.' -- Ian Jack Guardian 'A wonderful celebration of the best in English design, and a stylish invective against the worst. A great Christmas gift.' -- Mary Beard Observer 'It is a puzzle to me that Stamp is not better known. He is eloquent, funny and eccentric. He is as familiar with the streets of our cities as a taxi driver with The Knowledge, and brilliant at connecting sublime ideas with the ordinary aspects of our daily lives.' -- Charles Moore The Sunday Telegraph 'A reminder, if one were needed, of Stamp's fine and eclectic critical wit.' Apollo 'I very much recommend the book to anyone interested in architectural ideas.' Building Design