H is for Home Harbinger

In today’s Bookmarks post we’re taking a peek at Mid-Century Modern – living with mid-century modern design by Judith Miller.

Well, a bit more of a peek really , as we linger over some of the wonderful pieces on display!

Mid-century modern is one of our favourite eras for interior design, illustration, textiles and product design…

…so as the pages turned, there was a soundtrack of many oohs and ahhs!

Judith Miller is most famous for her all-encompassing antiques & collectables guides which are published annually.

In recent years, they’ve include an ever-increasing number of 20th century pieces in response to interest & demand.

This book concentrates solely on mid-century modern – 1950s to the 1970s being the period generally accepted.

A wonderful introductory chapter covers its evolution and influential designers.

The movement perfectly encapsulated a new mood of optimism after the war years with revolutionary designs, materials & techniques.

The fresh ideas, and indeed disposable income, of a whole new generation began to soar.

There are examples of houses & interiors that encapsulate the era – less cluttered and designed for modern living.

A broad array of objects are included, with chapters given over to furniture, lighting, glass, ceramics, metalware & textiles.

In addition, an extensive section covers the people responsible for these wonderful & iconic designs.

There are about 200 familiar & not so familiar names who are given a short, individual write up.

We’ll just scratch the surface by mentioning Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Eero Saarinen, Alvar Aalto, Robert Welch, Stig Lindberg, Lucienne Day, Per Lutken, Charles & Ray Eames.

The book is packed with quality, full colour photographic references throughout…

…and as with all Miller’s guides – estimated values to accompany each item image.

There’s also a useful directory included of international dealers and their contact details – broken down into categories such as ceramics, glass, furniture, lighting etc.

As well as auctions & fairs and museums if you fancy going to see or sometimes handle wares in the flesh

The book is well researched and accessible – a perfect coffee table browser or excellent source book for your library.

Mid-Century Modern – living with mid-century modern design is available from the publishers Octopus, Amazon and Hive.

[Many thanks to Octopus for the review copy]