Modern Originals - by Leslie Williamson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This intimate portrait of both iconic and unknown midcentury European designers and architectural masterpieces reveals an inspiring personal approach to modernism. This gorgeously photographed volume features the intimate and private spaces of both the icons and unknown vanguards of European midcentury architecture and design. Showcasing the functional beauty of midcentury design, Modern Originals presents the innovative homes by some of the most compelling and influential European midcentury designers, including Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, Finn Juhl, Robin and Lucienne Day, and Gae Aulenti, to name a few.

Williamson gained exclusive access to homes that are often closed to the public, and this intimacy is reflected in her richly detailed photographs. Each chapter is dedicated to a single home where the interiors are intact as they were lived in by their designers. Examples include the iconic Studio Achille Castiglioni in Milan; the Helsinki home of Aino and Alvar Aalto with signs of functionalism preserved; Finn Juhl's Scandinavian farmhouse, with warm woods and bursts of primary colors; and Carlo Mollino's eccentric Italian lair filled with his sensually shaped designs. This rare glimpse into the personal spaces of legendary designers in the midcentury canon reveals the highest expression of their ideas created for the most demanding of clients: themselves.

Review Quotes

"Her portraits of the designers' homes are warm, individual and rich with detail." -New York Times Magazine

"Wouldn't it be great if we could knock on people's doors and prowl through their homes for inspiration? Well, this collection of intimate interior shots from iconic and unknown designers might be the next best thing. It brilliantly captures how simple, sleek designs can create beautiful spaces -- a nice reminder for those who love to embellish." -MarthaStewart.com

"Photographer Leslie Williamson's first book, Handcrafted Modern: At Home with Midcentury Designers, pretty much has a permanent place on most of our staffer's coffee tables, so naturally we were dying to get a look at her recently released follow-up, Modern Originals: At Home with Midcentury European Designers. This new book features the homes and studios of thirteen of Europe's most-celebrated and iconic designers, including Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto. Whether you're mad for midcentury or not, the masterfully composed and beautifully chronicled spaces are sure to get your decorating juices flowing." -One Kings Lane

"...Modern Originals offers an intimate look at the homes and studios of some of Europe's best known designers..." -New York Times Arena

About the Author

Leslie Williamson pursues both fine art and commercial photography, garnering numerous accolades, including being a Surface magazine Avant Guardian and featured in Communication Arts magazine. In addition, her work has appeared in Dwell, Surface, and Travel + Leisure magazines, among other publications. She is the author and photographer of Rizzoli's Handcrafted Modern.