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Curtis Moffat: Silver Society

Experimental Photography and Design, 1923-1935
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
This is the first in-depth publication on Curtis Moffat, an American artist and photographer who flourished in London during the 1920s and 1930s. Renowned for his dynamic abstract photographs, innovative colour still lifes, and glamorous portraits, Moffat captured the essence of the "Bright Young Things"—a vibrant group of aristocrats and bohemians of the era. The book features his stylish portraits of prominent society figures such as Cecil Beaton, The Sitwells, Nancy Cunard, and Daphne Du Maurier, alongside insights into his contributions to Modernist interior design and furniture. Drawn from the extensive archive donated to the Victoria and Albert Museum by his daughter, the publication also showcases digital reconstructions of original colour images, revealing Moffat's pioneering photographic techniques and artistic vision.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in 20th-century photography, Modernist art and design, and British high society of the interwar period. It appeals to art historians, photography enthusiasts, and those fascinated by cultural history and portraiture.

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Deals with the life of the American artist Curtis Moffat, who is known for his dynamic abstract photographs, innovative color still lifes and some of the most glamorous society portraits of the early twentieth century. This title reveals Moffat's photography.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This is the first publication on American artist Curtis Moffat, who is known for his dynamic abstract photographs, innovative colour still lifes, and some of the most glamorous society portraits of the early twentieth century. Moffat was also a pivotal figure in Modernist interior design and furniture.

Living in London throughout the 1920s and early '30s during the era of the "Bright Young Things," Moffat produced stylish photographic portraits of leading figures in high society, stage, theatre, and the arts, including Cecil Beaton, The Sitwells, Nancy Cunard, Lady Diana Cooper, Tallulah Bankhead, and Daphne Du Maurier.

In 2003 and 2007, Moffat's daughter, Penelope Smail, generously donated his extensive archive to the Victoria and Albert Museum. Curtis Moffat: Silver Society is drawn from that archive and also includes digital reconstructions of colour images from original tri-carbro process black-and-white negatives. It reveals Moffat's pioneering yet little-known photography in all its depth and beauty.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

According to Lena Rawley in New York Magazine, after moving from New York to London post-World War I, Moffat established a photography studio with socialite Olivia Wyndham and became famed for his portraits of society women among the city's "Bright Young Things." Josh Bright of Independent Photographer highlights the book's compelling selection of Moffat's works including portraits, photograms, candid snapshots, and striking colour imagery drawn from his vast archives.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9783958290273

Publisher: Steidl Publishers

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 03 November 2016

Country: Germany

Imprint: Steidl Verlag

Illustration: Illustrated in colour and black and white throughout

Contributors:

  • Edited by Martin Barnes

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 230.0mm

Height: 290.0mm

Weight: 1600g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Martin Barnes is Senior Curator of Photographs at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

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