Handcrafted Modern: At Home with Mid-century Designers

Saw this at a friend's house and knew I wanted a copy foryself

Great premise, which is why I purchased this title. I found the text introductions to each home very informative, and interesting. What disappointed me initially as a reader about the photographs on the pages that followed each introduction was the lack of captions. I saw so much art, art furniture, designer objects, etc, that inspired more questions for me, the most frequent was: who made that? I wanted to follow up on reading about many things I saw in these homes and was left with no clues or leads.I would also have appreciated more exterior shots of the homes, some of which I am sure are as interesting as the interiors.I found the quality of many of the photographs lacking the clarity for me to really study in detail. Sort of a "dreamy" quality that I think best reserved for portraits, not an architectural publication. The introduction said that the photographer wanted to use film and natural light exclusively to capture a certain sense, whether or not this is the reason for the dreamy results only the printer knows for sure...

I must say I disagree with the previous reviewer. Out of focus? The photographs I'm looking at have an artistry to them that goes beyond the clinical maximization of detail. I'd say she does a great job of capturing the mood of these personal spaces. Some of these homes and the rooms in them have been lived in and lovingly looked after for 40 years and more by their owners. They aren't showrooms. They have worn edges and faded colors in places, which makes them just that much more appealing to my mind. The diffuse natural lighting she's using I find to be a perfect fit to this subject. Some of the shots are just gorgeous and the book has page after page of them, many in full-page format.I'm just glad someone has taken the time to create a record of these spaces at this phase of their existence. They very well may be gone (at least in non-museum form) in not too many more years. Definitely one of the better books of this type I've come across, and one I'm extremely happy to have added to my library.

Many of the artists/architects/designers whose homes are the subjects of this book, had never before allowed someone to capture (let alone publish) their home or such details of them. They chose to let Leslie Williamson inside to see how they actually live/lived. As I savored this book, I enjoyed thinking about why. Why her? Certainly, it wasn't because she's a disinterested photojournalist or architectural photographer. I've googled around and seen some of her other work--a photojournalist or architectural photographer she is not. She's a fine-art photographer.I think that they saw, as I do, that she's a very thorough, thoughtful and appreciative artist who, if given a chance, might reveal a bit more to the world about what their own work means. They wanted to be seen by HER. I am glad for that.The act of choosing her subjects, courting them and then deciding how to photograph their homes is an artistic act. Some of the images are poetic. Others are down right funny. All of them are beautiful and do justice to their subject.

This book is a wonderful review of the creative spirit. Not too in depth but enough to enjoy the gifts of these creative and talented individuals. The sameness of 99.99% of houses of the present are enough to drive us into oblivion. These talented people show us how to express great ideas to rise above the norm. We had a family home next to Wharton Esherick's in Pennsylvania and though the outside was just a cut above normal, the inside was filled with creative work everywhere you rested your eyes....sublime.

This is a beautiful book with a fascinating premise; a look at the inside of artists' homes and work spaces. My experience is limited to seeing and enjoying photography in museum exhibits, usually by well known artists, but this new book has opened my eyes to the possibilities of modern photography and the interesting stories which lie behind the pictures. Leslie Williamson has a bright future ahead of her and we can take "Handcrafted Modern: At Home with Mid-century Designers" in hand to peruse at our leisure and for much personal pleasure.

I have poured over each and every photo in this book! Leslie Williamson is one lucky woman to have had the opportunity to photograph mid-century designers homes and private spaces! Leslie, I would carry your cameras for you free to be included in such a fabulous project. I just ordered her Modern Originals book and will be waiting on the doorstep for it to arrive. Absolutely fabulous photos!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a very intimate revealing of these artists' home settings. The lighting is natural and shows how a visitor might see the scenes in the homes if visiting for an afternoon.I believe it will be an excellent addition to anyone's library who enjoys interior design as I do.

In perfect condition!

ミッドセンチュリー期に活躍したデザイナー達のプライベートハウスが存分に載った一冊。かなり見応えがあると思いました。インテリアの参考にもなります。

感動の作品と共に過ごす生活あこがれです。作品から温かみ、エネルギーもしっかり伝わりこの本に出会えて良かったです！

A very appreciated gift.

Beautiful book with heartfelt descriptions and interviews, all accompagnied by artful pictures.Should be in every designe lover's library.Highly recommended!