British Folk Art - Softcover

Martin Myrone; Jeff McMillan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1849762643 ISBN 13: 9781849762649

Publisher: Tate Publishing, 2014

Synopsis

Folk art is an established subject in many countries; however, in Britain the genre remains elusive, and this publication will accompany the first major survey of the subject. Rarely considered in the context of art history, folk art has been viewed as part of social history or folklore studies. This publication unites an extraordinary selection of objects, exploring the threshold between art and artefact and challenging perceptions of high art . Surprising and diverse examples of British folk art will be illustrated, from rustic leather Toby jugs to brightly coloured ships figureheads and highly accomplished carousel horses. The imposing larger than life-size thatched figure of King Alfred created by a master thatcher,Jesse Maycock, in 1960 is just one of the highlights. Others include maritime embroidery by fisherman John Craske, an intricately designed pin cushion made by wounded soldiers during the Crimean war, shop signs and whirligigs. While much folk art is anonymous, this book also presents works by a number of prominent individuals. Among these key figures are George Smart the tailor of Frant, eminent embroiderer Mary Linwood, ship carver and fairground artist Arthur Andersen, and Cornish painter Alfred Wallis. The in-depth discussions of these artists aim to reassess their position in art history, and to examine their often-neglected role in the story of art in Britain.

About this title

About the Author

Martin Myrone is a Curator at Tate Britain Jeff McMillan is an artist

From the Back Cover

Folk art is an established subject in many countries; however, in Britain the genre remains elusive, and this publication will accompany the first major survey of the subject. Rarely considered in the context of art history, 'folk art' has been viewed as part of social history or folklore studies. This publication unites an extraordinary selection of objects, exploring the threshold between art and artefact and challenging perceptions of 'high art'. While much folk art is anonymous, this book also presents works by a number of prominent individuals. Among these key figures are George Smart the tailor of Frant, eminent embroiderer Mary Linwood, ship carver and fairground artist Arthur Andersen, and Cornish painter Alfred Wallis. The in-depth discussions of these artists aim to reassess their position in art history, and to examine their often-neglected role in the story of art in Britain.

Edition details

• Publisher: Tate Publishing
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1849762643
• ISBN 13: 9781849762649
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 144