London in Paint

by Lee Cheshire

London is one of the world’s most popular cities, and its hustle and bustle, changing landscape, and infinite sights have provided a rich subject for many artists. Their representations are fascinatingly diverse. From recognizable views of the River Thames, St. Paul’s, and Tower Bridge to idyllic scenes of London’s residential squares and streets or paintings capturing the architectural feats and engineering marvels of their day, artists have documented a developing London that found wealth and confidence and emerged as the first truly modern city. Drawing from Tate’s superb collection and beyond, this stunning book presents 100 paintings from the 17th century to the present, with each work offering a special perspective contextualized by revealing and memorable anecdotes that bring the images to life.

Featuring some of the world’s most influential artists—Canaletto, Turner, Constable, Pissarro, Monet, Kossoff, and Auerbach—as well as lesser-known contemporary artists such as David Hepher and Lisa Milroy, London in Paint provides a fresh look, through artists’ eyes, at this much-loved global city.

Genres: Art

192 pages, Hardcover

Published October 3, 2017

Reviews

[Wendelle]

This is an incredible collection because it features a roster of obscure but impressive artists too, with a variety of personal styles, and provides context for the work. The subjects of the paintings range from the depiction of London in the might of empire, in the hubbub of commerce, in the sailing activities of wharves and piers, and in the serenity of Arcadian landscapes.

[Blagovest Asenov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish more art books like this existed. Thanks to Lee Cheshire’s clever selection of artists and their works, along with his insightful commentary, London in Paint offers a brilliant journey through the city’s slums, baroque churches, Victorian stations, medieval remains, towering skyscrapers, quiet royal parks, and nearby suburbs—and, of course, the ever-flowing bloodstream of its history and trade: the Thames.

The book spans an impressive range, from a 14th-century illuminated manuscript depicting the Tower of London to sweeping vistas and cityscapes from the Age of Enlightenment, from Impressionist-infused blends of light, fog, and color to a contemporary computer-generated image of Trafalgar Square.

What a marvelous way to explore and experience places like Hampstead, Greenwich Park, Piccadilly Circus, and the City of London across the centuries!

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art is a very subjective thing and I'm afraid apart from a few paintings I didn't really enjoy this collection. As much as I love London and paintings of London most of these didn't really capture London for me. Even the destruction section I found disappointing. There were a few of my favourite painters included. I would say definitely one to look at in the shops before you decide to buy it to see if it matches your tastes or not. I bought this for work and I think it's a good addition to the library as it does capture London and the texts about the paintings and the artists are interesting and informative. So while it wasn't to my tastes it still might be to yours.

[Paul Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully accessible book which traces the physical, social cultural and artistic evolution of London as one of the great capital cities in the world.