St Ives is unique in British art history. Between the Second World War and the 1970s, many progressive artists chose to work and often settle around this small port in the far west of Cornwall.Drawing on fresh research, Michael Bird has created a fascinating and highly readable account of St Ives and its artists.

An exhibition catalog featuring the artwork of British sculptor Barbara Hepworth.

The achievement of Christopher Wood has often been overshadowed by the legend that grew up around his life after his dramatic suicide at the age of 29. Increasingly, however, critics have come to see his work, particularly the output of the last two years of his life, as having a pivotal role in the development of modernism in Britain. The integrity of Wood's endeavour, the combination of self-confidence and uncertainty, accomplishment and awkwardness gives his paintings a very human quality that continues to be recognised and admired by audiences and painters today.

Penelope Curtis tells the story of the life and work of one of the central figures of 20th century sculpture. She discusses her art in the light of Hepworth's contemporaries, among them Henry Moore and Ben Nicholson.

The major theme of Patrick Heron's creative life was Cornwall and his work was steeped in locality. This book argues that Heron's great achievement was indeed to redefine the meaning of provinciality.

From the earliest cave paintings through to the internet and street art, this inspiring book chronicles the 100 most influential ideas that have shaped the world of art. Arranged in broadly chronological order, it provides a source of inspiration and a fascinating resource for the general reader to dip into. The book shows how developments in materials and technology have radically changed the way that art is produced. Each entry explores when an idea first evolved and how it has resurfaced in the work of different artists up to the present day. Illustrated with historical masterpieces and packed with fascinating contemporary examples, this is an inspirational and wholly original guide to understanding the forces that have shaped world art.

Margaret Garlake's study of Peter Lanyon provides a unique survey of his life and work, from his childhood friendship with Patrick Heron to international acclaim in the 1960s. He was the only Cornishman among the leading members of the St. Ives group.

Borlase Smart (1881-1947) is today best known for his seascapes. Here, the author records the life and work of the artist and the mportant role he played in supporting and encouraging younger artists in St Ives intent on exploring abstraction in their work, despite facing charges of disloyalty from his fellow Royal Academicians.

"In this new exploration of modern art and St Ives, works by St Ives artists are looked at in the context of their contemporaries in Europe, North America and beyond. The work of this period includes the utopian ideal of constructivism and the tradition of craft and the handmade. Paintings, sculpture and ceramics - drawn from public and private collections in the UK and abroad - richly illustrate how artists' engagement with St Ives was a part of the global art scene of the twentieth century." -- back cover.

Explores the influence of folklore, mysticism, mythology and the occult on the development of modernism and surrealism in Britain. This book features the works of both historic and contemporary artists, and considers the influence of neo-romantic and arcane themes on a significant strand of British art practice.