That Continuous Thing: Artists & the Ceramics Studio, 1920 – Today
The slim, small-format softcover accompanying an exhibition at Tate St Ives analyses various functions and uses of ceramic crafts in the fine arts over the last 100 years. The cover design, with lettering that appears to have been incised, promises much; and while the typography inside is somewhat more conventional, the materiality and restrained deployment of means give the volume exceptional charm. The green patterned packaging, the greenish brown softcover with flaps and the cream-coloured paper inside are appealing both to the touch and visually, and the book lies perfectly in the hand. The text content, which is geared towards people and individual works, is supported and structured by a small number of illustrations. These illustrations are each presented on individual sheets of coated paper wrapped around every other 16-page signature.
