Matthew Wilson

Iconography, the study of symbols—be they animals, artefacts, plants, shapes or gestures—is an essential element of art history. This guide unravels over fifty of the most common and intriguing visual symbols from across the globe from 2300 BCE to the present day. While symbols cross dialects and national boundaries, their meanings can vary and are often culturally specific. The snake,...

A stimulating narrative and reference resource that guides the reader through the most significant symbols from worldwide art history. Why do we reach for the red rose on Valentine's day? Where did the owl gain its reputation for wisdom? Why should you never trust a fox? In this visual tour through art history, Matthew Wilson pieces together a global visual...

A down-to-earth, visual guidebook that shows how to 'read', understand and get the most out of art. For beginners, art history might seem a daunting subject with complex rules and impenetrable technical language. Even for more seasoned art lovers, the question of how to think about art is a perennial riddle. Art Unpacked is the perfect resource for both audiences:...

A transformative guide to seeing differently - discover how engaging with art can spark joy, improve mental wellbeing, and help you reconnect with creativity, mindfulness and meaning in everyday life. By exploring how artists think and create, we can learn to shift our perspectives and discover new ways of living. In this insightful guide, author and art historian Matthew Wilson...

All gardeners are driven to create a landscape or garden that is their vision of perfection - whether that be a structured space complete with ordered tree avenues and immaculate rose beds, or a simple, inviting space for unwinding or entertaining. But just how do you go about turning that vision into reality? Written to accompany Channel 4's prime-time TV...